Play Specialist Job with NHS Sponsorship in Isle of Wight | Support Young Lives Today, Apply Now

Location
Isle of Wight, United Kingdom

Type
Full-time, Permanent

Salary (£)
27,485 to 30,162 per year

About Isle of Wight NHS Trust
Isle of Wight NHS Trust is the only integrated provider of acute, community, mental health, and ambulance care in England. Tucked away on the scenic south coast, they serve a vibrant community with a deeply personal approach to healthcare. They’re passionate about child-focused care, where every young patient is treated with warmth, respect, and sensitivity. If you’ve been searching for UK job opportunities where your skills meet purpose, this is where it starts.

Job details

Benefits

• Work in a supportive work environment where care goes beyond clinical
• Take part in impactful work that supports children and families
• Join a trusted NHS team committed to whole-person wellbeing
• Competitive NHS pension and generous holiday package
• Access to continued learning, training, and career development
• Live and work in one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal communities

Requirements

• Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism
• Registration as a Play Specialist with the Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust
• Recent experience working directly with children and young people in a healthcare setting
• Strong grasp of child development principles and therapeutic play techniques
• Ability to support clinical procedures using play and distraction
• Excellent communication with both children and distressed families
• Awareness of safeguarding and child protection procedures
• High standards in record keeping and confidentiality

Salary Details

• NHS Band 4, £27,485 to £30,162 per year, depending on experience

About the Role

This isn’t just a job, it’s a lifeline to children in the hospital. As a Play Specialist, you’ll help young patients cope with fear, uncertainty, and long hospital stays through structured, therapeutic play.

You’ll work closely with paediatric nurses and doctors to provide emotional and developmental support to children of all ages. Whether preparing a child for surgery, easing anxiety with distraction, or simply bringing joy to a hard day, you’ll play a key role in their healing journey.

It’s a deeply rewarding job with real meaning and lots of human connection. You’ll be supported, encouraged, and valued every step of the way.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver therapeutic play to reduce anxiety during clinical procedures
• Tailor activities to match children’s ages, development, and medical conditions
• Offer emotional and social support through individual and group play
• Communicate with parents, carers, and the wider healthcare team
• Identify safeguarding concerns and respond in line with NHS policy
• Keep detailed and confidential patient notes
• Make play accessible to every child needing care in the trust

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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

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

They strongly encourage applications from underrepresented communities including ethnic minorities, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. They’re committed to building a workplace that’s as diverse as the people they care for.

Employer Details

• Company Name: Isle of Wight NHS Trust
• Address: St. Mary’s Hospital, Newport Road, Isle of Wight, PO30 5TG
• Contact: Recruitment Team via NHS Jobs Portal

Reference Number
Not provided

How To Apply
Don’t wait on this one. If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives, apply now before the 08 August 2025 deadline.