Senior Childrens Play Specialist - Paediatrics

Senior Children’s Play Specialist

Job Summary
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK independently. The Trust cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The Senior Children’s Play Specialist is responsible for delivering play services that alleviate the fears and anxieties of children and young people in hospital. The post holder provides a wide range of normal and therapeutic play activities in various hospital settings, supports families, raises awareness of play’s importance in development and recovery, and manages the play team, including teaching and supervising junior staff and students.

• Create an environment in which play occurs naturally at all times.
• Coordinate play in all areas where paediatric patients are present.
• Familiarise the child/young person with unfamiliar apparatus and procedures to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Use distraction therapy before, during, and after painful or unpleasant treatment and procedures.
• Observe the child/young person’s developmental and emotional level and report observations to appropriate staff.
• Help the child/young person express and explore feelings.

The Trust is committed to inclusivity and diversity, actively seeking and supporting staff who represent the communities we serve. We support the Armed Forces Community through the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and maintain a Continuous Quality Improvement approach to ensure patient care excellence. All staff are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID‑19 and annually against Flu to protect patients and colleagues.

• Date posted: 08 January 2026
• Pay scheme:
  Agenda for change
• Band: 4
• Salary: £28,860 – £31,671 per annum (pro‑rata inclusive of allowances)
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Working pattern:
  Full‑time / Part‑time
• Reference number: 252‑7604571
• Location:
  
  Darent Valley Hospital – Darenth Wood Road, Darenth, DA2 8DA

• Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding a Foundation Degree in Health Care Play Specialism or equivalent.
• NVQ, CACHE, NNEB (Level
  3) in Child Care/Play Work or a Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce or Early Childhood Studies (BA) with registration as a Play Specialist.
• Practice Supervisor / Mentor credential.
• Evidence of CPD.
• At least three years’ experience working in a paediatric care environment.
• Post‑qualifying experience with children and/or young people in a health care setting across various clinical areas.
• Flexible working patterns and shifts as required; enthusiastic, approachable, adaptable.

• Leadership and management experience.
• Additional training relevant to the role.
• Leadership skills for reflecting on own practice and supporting others.
• General knowledge of clinical governance and IG.
• Ability to contribute to and implement teaching programmes for students and affiliated staff.
• Experience of other care settings and audit procedures.
• A clear career plan for self.

• Knowledge of the emotional and personal impact of paediatric healthcare and the ability to self‑manage or seek help appropriately.
• Ability to organise play activities for children and young people, including distraction therapy and post‑procedural play.
• Experience working as part of a diverse team and contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.
• Detailed knowledge of current health legislation and NAHPS Guidelines for Professional Practice.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of child protection.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Darenth, DA2 8DA

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