Play Leader

Job overview

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An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Play Leader to join our Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service at Alder Hey Specialist Children's Hospital. This post is advertised as Band 3, 35.0 hours per week, on a fixed term/Secondment contract for 6 months to cover a career break from 27/04/26. You must be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills and have the ability to support others. It is essential that you can prioritise and manage your own workload whilst supporting your colleagues and the multi-disciplinary team. Excellent knowledge of child development is essential, as is experience of working with a wide range of ages.

Applicants will need to possess a childcare qualification level 3 or equivalent, this is an essential criteria for this post. The Post holder will ensure that the needs of the patients are placed at the centre of care delivery. The post holder will work practically within their clinical area/team, taking responsibility for the provision of play on a day-to-day basis.

The post holder will be expected to work closely with the Play Service Manager and Deputy Health Play Specialist to ensure that service provision meets service needs.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be a member of the play department providing inclusive play service throughout the hospital.

To work within the structure of the play department referring to the health play specialist (HPS), Health Play Service Manager, Health Play Service deputy or Senior Health Play specialist (SHPS) when necessary.

The post holder will be expected to work in all areas as required.

The post holder will hold a level 3 play or equivalent qualification with 2 years work experience in a play/childcare setting.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Create an interesting, stimulating and fun environment, where babies, children and Young People and their siblings can play normally to fulfil their emotional, social and development needs.
• Organise activities at the bedside or within the play areas that encourages children and young people to engage with activities
• Use your knowledge and understanding of baby and child development when selecting play and recreational activities to support the baby’s, child’s/young person’s level of development through normalising and developmental play.
• To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of children and young people and their families and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.
• Provide play distraction before, during and after medical procedures in line with the play team referral process.
• To support and promote the rights of the child in terms of privacy and dignity
• Maintain a clean and safe child focussed environment adhering to trust health and safety policies. Continually risk assessing areas and resources.

Be responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the patient in their care. Escalate medical or social concerns to the appropriate member of staff.