Play Specialist Role with Sponsorship in Hereford, Apply Now

Location
Hereford, United Kingdom

Type
Full Time

Salary (£)
26,530 to 29,114

About Wye Valley NHS Trust
Wye Valley NHS Trust brings together heart, skill, and community to deliver care that truly touches lives. They believe play isn’t just a pastime—it’s a pathway to healing. In their paediatrics teams, play is used as a therapeutic tool to ease trauma, build trust, and bring joy into tough moments. If you’re after a supportive work environment that champions your impact and encourages your growth, their team in Hereford is ready for you.

Job details

Benefits

• Permanent full-time role – a stable position with real responsibility
• NHS pension scheme – for added long-term security
• Work in multidisciplinary teams – share ideas and develop professionally
• Use of creative skills – develop structured therapeutic play plans
• Purposeful work – help young patients navigate medical journeys with less fear

Requirements

• NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Childcare or Development, or a related Level 3 qualification with post-qual experience
• Strong knowledge of developmental and emotional needs of children from birth to 18
• Experience in hospitals or child health settings, especially with children who have complex medical needs
• Excellent communication and empathy – especially with anxious families or distressed young people
• Well-organised and proactive – able to work alone and in a team
• Creative mindset – keen to design personalised play activities that support recovery

Salary Details

You’ll earn between £26,530 and £29,114, with incremental progression based on experience and qualifications.

About the Role

This is no ordinary play role. As a Play Specialist, you’ll support children and young people across various care settings, helping them feel safe, heard, and calm through developmental and therapeutic play. You’ll be a familiar face during tough times, offering distraction in procedures, emotional support for long-stay patients, and comforting play routines that feel like home.

It’s a great match if you’re looking for UK job opportunities where creativity meets clinical impact. You’ll be a bridge between children, families, and healthcare staff, using your insight and care to improve recovery outcomes and reduce anxiety.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide distraction play and post-procedure support to reduce fear and pain
• Create individual and group play plans that reflect emotional and cultural needs
• Support emotional well-being of long-term patients and their families
• Lead on themed activities and develop engaging, inclusive play environments
• Work with clinicians to deliver holistic child-centred care
• Help young people understand and cope with procedures or diagnoses through role-play and storytelling
• Offer support to siblings and parents navigating hospital life
• Advocate for the value of play in recovery and communication

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker Sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wye Valley NHS Trust promotes equity, dignity, and respect for all. They welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to inclusive recruitment.

Employer Details

• Company Name: Wye Valley NHS Trust
• Address: Hereford County Hospital, Hereford, HR1 2ER
• Contact: Human Resources Team

Reference Number
Not specified

How To Apply
This is more than a job—it’s a chance to bring play, comfort, and joy into the lives of young patients. Submit your application before 17 June 2025 to join a team where your care makes a difference every single day.