Job overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 6 Play Therapist to join our supportive multi-disciplinary team. You will provide therapeutic and emotional support to children and young people referred through the Zig Zag Children and Young People’s Service, working across hospital and community settings.
The role includes:
- Delivering individual play therapy and bereavement support
- Facilitating family support groups
- Working closely with schools, GPs, social services, CAMHS, and healthcare professionals
- Supporting children known to Specialist Palliative Care and Paediatric Oncology services
- Contributing to teaching, audit, research, and service development
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be a member of the Margaret Centre multi-disciplinary team (MDT). S/he will provide Play Therapy to children/young people referred to the Zig Zag Children and Young People’s Service from Whipps Cross University Hospital and the local community. S/he will offer appropriate psychological support to children/young people and their families known to the Specialist Palliative Care Team and to Paediatric Oncology.
S/he will liaise and support schools in the area to promote death education and will liaise with other services eg, Social Services, GPs, etc.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
Other
Essential
- Approachable and diplomatic
- Ability to work under pressure
- Flexibility in working patterns in order to meet needs and deadlines
- Reflective practitioner
- Able to identify own learning and support needs
- Professional attitude towards their work
- Willing and able to receive supervision
Skills
Essential
- Very good written and verbal skills
- Able to carry out risk assessments on children and their families and identify plans to address any concerns
- Sound organisational skills, including ability to give direction
- Acts as a role model and consultant to trainees
- Able to organise their workload in an efficient and effective manner
- Ability to work in isolation whilst being part of the MDT
- Able to organise and deliver study sessions and short courses
- Able to analyse current professional issues in children’s counselling services
Desirable
- Evidence of initiating change
- Evidence of being involved in research
- Car Driver
Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent knowledge of the principles and practice of Play/Art Therapy interventions
- Good working knowledge of child protection legislation
- Good knowledge of the principles and practice of palliative care
- Understands the implications of service performance
- Awareness of drivers for change in the NHS, counselling and palliative care services
- Equal opportunities
Desirable
- Recognises professional and corporate responsibility within the role
Experience
Essential
- Experience of Play/Art Therapy
- Has worked with bereaved children
Desirable
- Group facilitation
- Has worked in a multi-disciplinary environment, with a range of individuals working at different grades
Qualifications
Essential
- Post Graduate qualification in Play Therapy
- BAPT or BAAT membership
Desirable
- Diploma in counselling
- Bereavement counselling course
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Play/Art Therapist with Barts Health NHS Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Art therapist role. The advertised salary is £45,953 - £54,254 pro rata per annum inc. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 28 Jun 2026.
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