Job summary
Fixed Term: 9 months | Full-time (job share considered) | Open to Internal applications only
Application process
To apply for this role, please submit an application form. In the supporting information section please detail, in no more than 250 words, why you want to be considered for this opportunity.
Make a Difference in Young Lives
We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Health Play Specialist to support the emotional and developmental needs of children and young people. Through therapeutic play, you'll help young patients navigate medical experiences, reduce anxiety, and build perseverance.
As part of our Play Services Team, you'll lead play activities, oversee play specialists, and ensure every child has access to high-quality play across Medical, Surgical, and Outpatient care. You'll also manage team schedules, appraisals, and professional development with the Play Service Manager.
When applying please explain why you would like the post and what you will bring to the service as a Health Play Specialist in the supporting statement section of the application form in no more than 200 words.
Main duties of the job
Reporting into the Play Services Manager your responsibilities will include:
- Therapeutic Play Leadership: Lead therapeutic play activities to help children cope with medical procedures, reducing anxiety and promoting perseverance.
- Family-Centred Support: Provide emotional support to children and families, ensuring their needs are met during hospital experiences.
- Collaboration: Work with the play team and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement play plans that support health and well-being.
- Resource Management: Oversee stock, budgets, and resources to ensure the availability of necessary play equipment and materials.
- Training: Mentor students, volunteers, and staff, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
- Continuous Professional Development: Stay informed on best practices and contribute to the ongoing development of the Play Service
About us
At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are:
- Outstanding Patient Care
- Brilliant Place to work
- Leaders in Children's Health
We work with local, regional, and national partners to provide physical and mental healthcare across acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are amongst the best in their field, recognised nationally and internationally for their expertise.
As well as having enormous pride in what we do, we are a friendly, welcoming, and motivated NHS Trust who are guided by our CARE values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Our nearly 4000 colleagues live these values, ensuring kind and compassionate care that makes patients and their families feel safe and at home.
As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we remain committed to enhancing our reputation in children's health leadership, improving the experiences of both patient and colleagues, and focusing on our communities and population health.
Sheffield Children's provides great benefits to support your wellbeing, with excellent annual leave and pension schemes, health programmes, and exclusive discounts--helping you succeed at work and beyond.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.
Please note that Sheffield Children's uplift pay to meet the Real Living Wage, which is £12.60 per hour.
Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.
Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs.
#LI-Onsite
Job description
Job responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.
Please note that Sheffield Children's uplift pay to meet the Real Living Wage, which is £12.60 per hour.
Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.
Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs.
#LI-Onsite
Person Specification
Qualifications/Training
Essential
- FdA Healthcare Play Specialism/ Professional Diploma in Specialised Play for Sick Children and Young People or equivalent and experience as set out below
- HPSET Certificate and up-to-date registration
- Mentorship programme completion in line with Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS) requirements, or within 12 months of start date
Desirable
- BA Hons in Childhood development and Playwork
- BA Hons in Early Years
Experience
Essential
- Significant post qualification play specialist experience in childcare or youth work setting, including supporting the well-being and development of healthy children and young people including those with additional needs or learning difficulties
- Experience of mentoring or coaching colleagues in a play setting
- Experienced in dealing with difficult situations and conflicts
- Experience of understanding and communicating with different audiences
- Experience of working with young people and creating opportunities for them to lead and have their voice heard
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Proven ability to deliver play plan objectives through regular, structured play sessions, and to design and document structured play programs
- Understanding of developmental needs for children, young people, and families, with awareness of cultural diversity, health inequalities, and additional needs, including learning difficulties, in the community
- Knowledge of health, safety, confidentiality, and data protection standards
- Leadership and collaborative skills to promote and lead play services with colleagues, work effectively in teams, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals on specialised play resources
- Able to share specialist information with multidisciplinary teams, negotiate care plans, and support service users and colleagues empathetically in challenging situations
- Proficiency with digital systems and technology
Desirable
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Commitment to ongoing self-development and learning
- Able to work well as part of a team and independently
- Be able to prioritise own workload and use own initiative
Person Specification
Qualifications/Training
Essential
- FdA Healthcare Play Specialism/ Professional Diploma in Specialised Play for Sick Children and Young People or equivalent and experience as set out below
- HPSET Certificate and up-to-date registration
- Mentorship programme completion in line with Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS) requirements, or within 12 months of start date
Desirable
- BA Hons in Childhood development and Playwork
- BA Hons in Early Years
Experience
Essential
- Significant post qualification play specialist experience in childcare or youth work setting, including supporting the well-being and development of healthy children and young people including those with additional needs or learning difficulties
- Experience of mentoring or coaching colleagues in a play setting
- Experienced in dealing with difficult situations and conflicts
- Experience of understanding and communicating with different audiences
- Experience of working with young people and creating opportunities for them to lead and have their voice heard
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Proven ability to deliver play plan objectives through regular, structured play sessions, and to design and document structured play programs
- Understanding of developmental needs for children, young people, and families, with awareness of cultural diversity, health inequalities, and additional needs, including learning difficulties, in the community
- Knowledge of health, safety, confidentiality, and data protection standards
- Leadership and collaborative skills to promote and lead play services with colleagues, work effectively in teams, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals on specialised play resources
- Able to share specialist information with multidisciplinary teams, negotiate care plans, and support service users and colleagues empathetically in challenging situations
- Proficiency with digital systems and technology
Desirable
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Commitment to ongoing self-development and learning
- Able to work well as part of a team and independently
- Be able to prioritise own workload and use own initiative
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
