Job summary
The Health Play Specialist is a qualified professional with expert knowledge and experience of using play to support babies, children, and young people, both well and unwell. They are a fully integrated member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team and play a vital role in supporting children, young people, and their families throughout their healthcare journey.

The post holder will work as part of the Play Team within the Paediatric Department, while also working independently and using their own initiative, organisation, leadership, and time-management skills.

Main duties of the job
The Healthcare Play Specialist will provide developmental, therapeutic, and specialised play interventions for babies, children, and young people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. These interventions aim to meet emotional, social, and developmental needs, reduce anxiety, and help alleviate emotional trauma experienced by children, young people, and their families. The role supports positive coping and helps bridge the gap between hospital and home, contributing to a positive patient experience.

The post holder will plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging, age-appropriate, and stimulating play programmes for babies, children, young people, and their families. They will advocate for the importance and impact of therapeutic play and promote this within the multidisciplinary team, including students and learners.

The Health Play Specialist will work flexibly across all paediatric areas within the acute hospital and may occasionally be required to work in other clinical areas. They will also contribute to Play Service projects, service development, and quality improvement initiatives.

The post holder must be a registered and qualified Health Play Specialist, holding a Foundation Degree in Health Play Specialism (or equivalent) and maintaining professional registration in line with national standards.

About us
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Details
Date posted: 15 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 390-NR-WAC-BR-6893
Job locations: Broomfield, Court Road, Chelmsford, CM1 7ET, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Please be aware that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a suitable number of applications.

Unfortunately, there is no Visa Sponsorship available for this role. Whilst we are able to employ candidates on a graduate Visa, we are unable to offer sponsorship once the graduate visa expires. for some roles i.e. roles for band 2 to 4, inclusive.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Experience working with babies, children and young people

Qualifications
Essential

• BTEC or Equivalent in Hospital Play

Desirable

• Foundation degree in Healthcare Play Specialism

Registration
Essential

• SoHPS Registration

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Broomfield, Court Road, Chelmsford, CM1 7ET, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.mse.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Senior Sister Nicola Cowton, nicola.cowton1@nhs.net, 03004431239

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