Paediatric ED Play Specialist

Job summary

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Health Play Specialist to work within the Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service at Paeds ED at North Manchester general hospital.

This post is a permanant contract.

You will be employed as part of the Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service and working hours may change to reflect the department or ward you are linked to, for example earliest shifts 10.00am - 18.00pm, latest shift 13.00 pm - 21.00pm

The applicant must hold the Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism or the previous Level 4 qualification. Alongside this they will be required to hold an up to date registration with the Health Play Specialist Education Trust. Alternatively students who are due to qualify in 2025 may apply.

The post holder will play a valuable role in the care of patients within the hospital, improving the patient journey and experience. They should be proactive, flexible and motivated, being able to work both individually and as part of a team.

Main duties of the job

The Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service is a well established team, working throughout the trust.

We strive for high standards of care and work together to ensure our babies, children and young people have positive experiences whilst in hospital. We encourage personal development with yearly objectives, working task groups and relevant learning opportunities.

Working within our team allows for a valuable support network, scope to work in various hospitals and services throughout the trust and opportunities for sharing best practice.

Techniques such as procedural preparation, distraction/diversional therapy and developmental play will be an integral part of the role. The Health Play Specialist will work with patients within the ward or department area, as well as taking patient referrals from a variety of professionals.

They will be working within a multi-disciplinary team including the medical and clinical staff, Allied Health Professionals, the Youth Service, Specialist Nurses and the Focus Support Team.

The post holder will be expected to complete thorough electronic documentation in patient notes, and attend any relevant meetings.

The Health Play Specialist will be part of organising and taking part in patient experience agendas including events and Public Health initiatives.

About us

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Details

Date posted

24 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

349-NMGH-7638730C*

Job locations

Paeds ED North Manchester General Hospital

Delauney's Road

Crumpsall

M8 5RB

Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your applicationHere at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your applicationHere at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• - Professional qualification - HPSET Certificate - (Registered) Health Play Specialism Degree/ Foundation Degree or NVQ Level 4 also NNEB/Btec Diploma in Nursery Nursing or - Btec Diploma in Childcare & Development (relevant childcare qualification NVQ level 3 equivalent )

Desirable

• - Additional qualifications as well as those in essential: for example - Counselling Certificate - Art therapy - Play work - Youth work - Special needs - Teaching

Knowledge

Essential

• - Understanding of developmental, social and psychological needs of children, young people and their families
• - Knowledge of developmental needs from birth to 18 years incorporating all special needs, Cultures and diversities
• - Understanding health & safety issues and confidentiality/data protection

Desirable

• - Awareness of literature and government legislation relating to children and young people (including child protection, Children's Act 1989, Human Rights Act, UN Convention 'The rights of the child' etc

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of three years post qualification working in childcare/youth work setting:
• Experience working with the well child/young person
• - Experience of working with the sick child/young person
• - Hospital experience
• Experience in Psychological - Preparation & Distraction/ Diversional and Participation Therapies

Desirable

• - Working with Children/young people in intensive settings. (i.e. Burns unit)
• - Community work/ home/ school visits
• Team work experience

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• - Professional qualification - HPSET Certificate - (Registered) Health Play Specialism Degree/ Foundation Degree or NVQ Level 4 also NNEB/Btec Diploma in Nursery Nursing or - Btec Diploma in Childcare & Development (relevant childcare qualification NVQ level 3 equivalent )

Desirable

• - Additional qualifications as well as those in essential: for example - Counselling Certificate - Art therapy - Play work - Youth work - Special needs - Teaching

Knowledge

Essential

• - Understanding of developmental, social and psychological needs of children, young people and their families
• - Knowledge of developmental needs from birth to 18 years incorporating all special needs, Cultures and diversities
• - Understanding health & safety issues and confidentiality/data protection

Desirable

• - Awareness of literature and government legislation relating to children and young people (including child protection, Children's Act 1989, Human Rights Act, UN Convention 'The rights of the child' etc

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of three years post qualification working in childcare/youth work setting:
• Experience working with the well child/young person
• - Experience of working with the sick child/young person
• - Hospital experience
• Experience in Psychological - Preparation & Distraction/ Diversional and Participation Therapies

Desirable

• - Working with Children/young people in intensive settings. (i.e. Burns unit)
• - Community work/ home/ school visits
• Team work experience

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 (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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Paeds ED North Manchester General Hospital

Delauney's Road

Crumpsall

M8 5RB

Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Paeds ED North Manchester General Hospital

Delauney's Road

Crumpsall

M8 5RB

Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)