Job summaryAn exciting opportunity has arisen at UCLH for a qualified Health Play Specialist or second year Apprentice/student on the Health Play Specialist course, looking to gain more experience within our highly respected team. We are looking for someone who is committed to the delivery of compassionate high-quality care and has the skills to implement specialised play and preparation to support children, young people and their families undergoing treatment in a busy hospital environment. You will need to have experience of working with children and young people in a healthcare setting and be able to deal sensitively with families under stress. You will work as part of a supportive team where play and recreation is valued and respected as an integrated part of young people's treatment and your contribution to the patient's pathway will be highly respected.
We welcome applications from individuals who are currently completing the FDA Healthcare Play Specialism and are in their second year. If successful, the trainee will be paid in accordance with annex 21 of NHS Terms and Conditions (75% of maximum of Band 4) for the period leading up until they are qualified.Main duties of the jobThis person needs to be autonomous, and also able to work effectively within a large team of health play specialists and other members of the multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate will be passionate and committed to effectively meeting the needs of paediatric patients and their families, as well as promoting the play service work throughout both inpatient and outpatient services. The successful candidate will implement specialised play interventions across both inpatient and outpatient settings. You will need to be able to engage easily with children and young people, be able to work effectively with your multi-disciplinary team colleagues and use therapeutic play techniques creatively throughout the setting. Responsibilities will include supporting hospitalised children and young people leading alternative focus activities during procedures, therapeutic play preparation, creating an age-appropriate welcoming environment throughout the area and helping patients and families manage anxiety effectively.
About usUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.
We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites: University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing), National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, University College Hospital Grafton Way Building, Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street.
We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.
We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.
DetailsDate posted: 14 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £34,186 to £37,389 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS (Pro rata)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 309-UCLH-8224082
Job locations: University College London Hospitals, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesFor the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*
* UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.
UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff. To find out more, visit:
Flexible working.
To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?
Person SpecificationKnowledge & QualificationsEssential- Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Health Care Play Specialism or previous HPSC/HPSEB, Edexcel PDC/HND in Hospital Play Specialism or oversees equivalent.
- Knowledge of and ability to analyse professional and ethical issues, including professional boundaries, clinical governance and safeguarding children policies and practice.
- Applied knowledge of recent health policy & guidance and SOHPS Guidelines for professional Practice.
Desirable- NNEB/ NVQ Level 3 or equivalent training involving normal child care and development.
- Bachelor's Degree (or overseas equivalent) in a subject relevant to work with children and/or young people.
ExperienceEssential- Post qualifying and recent, comprehensive experience of working with children and/or young people in a health care setting, in a variety of clinical areas and/or vast experience in specialised field.
- Experience of providing family centred care and working with the extended family.
- Comprehensive experience of leading play/recreation activities for babies, children and/or young people.
Skills & AbilitiesEssential- Able to communicate complex information effectively with patients, families and staff, in written, verbal and nonverbal forms.
- Ability to work independently, manage own workload and determine priorities under pressure.
Desirable- Basic competency using Word and Excel
- Ability to work as an individual as well as within a team, effectively and efficiently.
Other RequirementsEssential- Able to work flexible hours and weekends according to needs of clinical area.
- Up to date registration with SOHPS.
- Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Desirable- Membership of SOHPS Professional Body
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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).Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). 
