Paediatric ED Play Specialist

Paediatric ED Play Specialist

The closing date is 08 December 2025

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 is a permanent contract. Working hours may vary by ward; examples include 10 00 or 13 00.

The applicant must hold a Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism or the previous Level 4 qualification, and an up to date registration with the Health Play Specialist Education Trust. Students due to qualify in 2025 may also apply.

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

Main duties of the job

We are a well established team working across the trust, delivering high standard care to babies, children and young people. Work within a multidisciplinary team-including medical staff, Allied Health Professionals, the Youth Service, Specialist Nurses and the Focus Support Team-to provide procedural preparation, distraction/diversion therapy and developmental play.

Key duties include patient referral management, electronic documentation, participation in patient experience agendas, events and public health initiatives, and attending relevant meetings.

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 annually. MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and a collaborative, multi disciplinary community.

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and skills required, review the Job Description & Person Specification attachments in the Supporting Documents. The Candidate Essentials Guide outlines benefits and essential information for applicants.

Applicants must ensure their application reflects personal experiences, skills and motivations. AI tools may assist with spelling, grammar or formatting but content must be written by the applicant.

Person Specification Qualifications

• HPSET Certificate (Registered) Health Play Specialism Degree / Foundation Degree or NVQ Level 4; NNEB/BTEC Diploma in Nursery Nursing; BTEC Diploma in Childcare & Development (NVQ Level 3 equivalent)
• Additional qualifications: Counselling Certificate, Art therapy, Play work, Youth work, Special needs, Teaching

Knowledge

• Understanding of developmental, social and psychological needs of children, young people and families
• Knowledge of developmental needs from birth to 18 years, including special needs, cultures and diversities
• Understanding of health & safety issues and confidentiality/data protection
• Awareness of literature and legislation relating to children (e.g. Child Protection, Children's Act 1989, Human Rights Act, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Experience

• Minimum of three years post qualification in childcare/youth work settings
• Experience with well child/young person and sick child/young person
• Hospital experience, including intensive settings such as a burns unit
• Experience with psychological preparation, distraction/distraction and participation therapies
• Community work, home/school visits

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Application will require a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (CRB) under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Address

Paeds ED North Manchester General Hospital

Salary

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

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full time

Reference number

349 NMGH C

Job locations

Paeds ED North Manchester General Hospital