Health Play Specialist

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and adaptable Health Play Specialist to join our small existing team of Play Specialists at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital and to develop our new team at Scunthorpe General Hospital.

• Provide a welcoming environment for children and young people up to 16 years old and promote a positive experience.
• Offer play opportunities and activities appropriate to each child’s individual health‑care needs, especially where barriers to understanding exist.
• Deliver specific play/activity therapy where required, helping children/young people to express themselves, explore feelings and overcome fears such as needle phobia or transitioning to adult services.
• Prepare children/young people for procedures using distraction therapy.
• Provide emotional support to the child, parent/carer and extended family members.
• Contribute to assessing a younger child’s development against recommended assessment tools when requested.
• Establish a feedback mechanism for the child and family to the department to improve service provision.

The Humber Health Partnership is one of the largest acute and community partnership arrangements in the NHS, serving over one million patients annually. It comprises Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust and Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, employing nearly 20,000 staff across five main hospital sites.

Date posted: 14 January 2026

Pay scheme:
Agenda for change

Band:
Band 4

Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 a year pro rata

Contract:

Permanent

Working pattern:
Full-time, Part-time

Reference number: 208-D2D008-26-1

Job location:

Grimsby / Scun.thenpe, DN33 2BA

Education descuent / Qualifications – Essential

• Foundation degree in Healthcare Play Specialism or working towards it.
• Registered with the Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust once the Foundation degree is completed.
• Willingness to undertake a Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism.

Desirable

• Health play specialist higher apprenticeship.

Knowledge, Training and Experience – Essential

• Experience, skills and qualities for working with children and/or young people, including knowledge of child/young person development.
• Experience of working with children/young people in a hospital setting.

Desirable

• Experience of working with children with special needs,ాల్సా those with challenging behaviours.
• Experience supporting young people to transition to adult healthcare services.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) रीव्हे; a Disclosure and Barring Service check is required.

Applicants must hold current UK professional registration. For more information, see the NHS Careers website.