Health Play SpecialistinManchesterinManchesterPUBLISHED MON 10 FEB 2025

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Health Play Specialist to work within the Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, including Wythenshawe and Trafford Hospitals.

This post is a fixed term 12 month 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 7.30am - 3.30pm, latest shift 11am - 7pm.

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.

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

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.

Diversity Matters

MFT 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, email our team at

Were looking forward to hearing from you