Healthcare worker

Health Play Specialist – Band 4 | London NHS Job | Skilled Worker Sponsorship Considered

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is recruiting a Health Play Specialist to join its highly respected paediatric team in London.

This is a permanent, part-time Band 4 NHS position supporting babies, children, young people and their families through therapeutic play, preparation and recreational activities during hospital treatment.

Skilled Worker visa sponsorship applicants are welcome and will be considered alongside other applicants, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Job Overview

About the Role

UCLH is seeking a compassionate and experienced Health Play Specialist who can provide high-quality therapeutic play and preparation for children and young people undergoing treatment in a busy hospital environment.

The role is also open to individuals currently completing the FDA Healthcare Play Specialism and who are in their second year of the course.

Successful second-year apprentices/students will be paid in accordance with Annex 21 of NHS Terms and Conditions, at 75% of the maximum of Band 4, until they become qualified.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide specialised play interventions for children and young people.
• Work across inpatient and outpatient services.
• Support children and young people during hospitalisation.
• Use therapeutic play techniques creatively.
• Provide preparation for medical procedures and treatment.
• Lead alternative-focus activities during procedures.
• Help children and young people manage anxiety and distress.
• Create welcoming, age-appropriate environments.
• Provide family-centred support.
• Work closely with parents, carers and extended family members.
• Communicate effectively with children, families and healthcare professionals.
• Promote the value of play services across the hospital.
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Manage workload and prioritise competing demands.

Who This Opportunity Is Relevant To

• Qualified Health Play Specialists.
• Second-year FDA Healthcare Play Specialism students.
• Professionals with healthcare experience working with children and young people.
• Candidates with therapeutic play and recreation experience.
• Applicants experienced in family-centred care.
• Eligible international applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship who meet the professional registration requirements.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• Registration and qualification as a Health Play Specialist.
• Foundation Degree in Health Care Play Specialism or an accepted equivalent qualification.
• Knowledge of professional and ethical issues.
• Understanding of professional boundaries and clinical governance.
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and practice relating to children.
• Knowledge of current health policy and guidance.
• Knowledge of SOHPS Guidelines for Professional Practice.

Desirable Qualifications

• NNEB, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent training involving normal child care and development.
• Bachelor’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in a subject relevant to working with children and/or young people.

Essential Experience

• Recent post-qualifying experience working with children and/or young people in healthcare.
• Experience across a variety of clinical areas and/or substantial specialist experience.
• Experience providing family-centred care.
• Experience working with extended family members.
• Experience leading play and recreational activities for babies, children and/or young people.

Essential Skills

• Effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Ability to communicate complex information effectively.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to manage workload and priorities under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to compassionate, patient-focused care.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work flexible hours and weekends according to clinical needs.
• Up-to-date SOHPS registration.
• Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development.

Desirable: Membership of the SOHPS professional body.

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

The vacancy specifically states that applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.

Sponsorship is subject to the applicant meeting the relevant immigration, professional registration and role requirements.

Important: Current UK professional registration is required for this position.

DBS Check

The position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the relevant UK legislation.

About University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the UK’s major complex NHS trusts, providing acute and specialist services to patients from London, across the UK and internationally.

UCLH operates across multiple sites and provides specialist services covering areas including women’s health, cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral diseases.

The Trust also provides major support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Major London NHS trust.
• NHS Band 4 position.
• Salary of up to £37,389 per year pro rata.
• Permanent employment.
• Part-time working pattern.
• Paediatric healthcare environment.
• Therapeutic play and specialist development opportunities.
• Multidisciplinary working environment.
• Skilled Worker sponsorship applicants welcome and considered.

Important Application Information

Closing date: 23 August 2026

Job reference: 309-UCLH-8224082

Location: University College London Hospitals, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, United Kingdom.