Radiotherapy/Proton Beam Therapy Health Play Specialist – Sponsorship Available

Employer: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Location: London, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: £35,964 – £43,780 per year
Visa Sponsorship: Available

Job Summary

A unique opportunity has arisen for a Senior Health Play Specialist to join the Radiotherapy (RT) and Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) departments at University College London Hospitals. The post holder will support children and young people (CYP) up to 18 years old and their families across both RT and PBT sites.

This role involves providing specialist play-based preparation and support throughout the entire treatment journey, from initial consultation to treatment completion. The specialist will use preparation and distraction techniques to help children cope with immobilization procedures, CT and MRI scans, and radiation treatment sessions.

The successful candidate will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), actively contributing to patient assessments, meetings, and care planning discussions.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Child and Family Support

• Provide individualized preparation and distraction therapy for children undergoing radiotherapy and proton beam therapy.
• Support patients during immobilization (patient-specific moulds), CT/MRI scans, and treatment sessions.
• Use therapeutic play interventions to reduce anxiety and enhance patient cooperation.
• Assist families in understanding the treatment process and support them emotionally.

Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

• Work closely with oncologists, radiographers, psychologists, and nursing staff to improve the treatment experience for young patients.
• Participate in patient care meetings, assessments, and treatment planning discussions.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives within the RT and PBT departments.

Clinical Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health legislation, clinical governance principles, and professional guidelines.
• Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to research, audits, and service development.
• Stay updated with the latest therapeutic play methods and child development research.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

• Registered and qualified Health Play Specialist with one of the following:
• Foundation Degree in Health Care Play Specialism
• HPSC/HPSEB, Edexcel PDC/HND in Hospital Play Specialism
• Overseas equivalent
• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject related to child development.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) (e.g., Counselling Skills Certificate, Supervisory Training, Conference Presentations).
• Specialist knowledge of therapeutic assessments and interventions for children undergoing medical treatments.
• Understanding of the emotional impact of hospitalization on children, young people, and their families.

Desirable:

• NNEB/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent child care and development qualification.

Experience

Essential:

• Post-qualification experience working with children and young people in a healthcare setting.
• Experience in family-centered care and working with extended families.
• Ability to support children with special needs and challenging behaviors.
• Experience working as part of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) in a hospital environment.

Desirable:

• Leadership experience in play/recreational activities for children.
• Experience in supervising students.

Skills and Abilities

Essential:

• Ability to apply therapeutic play interventions in a hospital setting (preparation, distraction, post-procedural play).
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and non-verbal) to engage effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to work independently and within a team, managing workload and priorities under pressure.
• Proficiency in word processing, Excel, and internet research.

Desirable:

• Presentation skills for training and education.
• Counselling skills for patient and family support.

Other Requirements

• HPSET registration (Health Play Specialist Education 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 (DBS) check to assess any previous criminal convictions.

Visa Sponsorship

• Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship is available for eligible candidates.
• Applicants requiring sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications.
• Criminal record certificates may be required for candidates applying for entry clearance into the UK.

For further details, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Closing Date: 26 March 2025