Job summary
- Main area
- Play
- Grade
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent: 22.5hrs over 3days.
- Hours
- Part time - 22.5 hours per week (22.5hrs per week over 3 days,)
- Job ref
- 387-W&C6862-JJ
- Employer
- Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Play Department
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- £25,760 - £27,476 per annum, pro rata for part time roles
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 29/10/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Health Playworker
Band 3
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.
Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.
Job overview
The post holder will be a member of the Play Department providing inclusive play service within the wards, play department and throughout the hospital.
To work within the structure of the play department referring to the health play specialist, or the senior play team when necessary.
The post holder will be assigned to a specific area but would be expected to work in other areas as required and may change to different assigned areas.
The post holder will hold a level 3 play or equivalent qualification with 2 years work experience in a play/childcare setting.
Main duties of the job
- To communicate appropriately with babies, children, young people, families and all members of the multidisciplinary team.
- Ensure that data is maintained in accordance to ward and Trust standards.
- Attend team and staff meetings to share relevant information related to the Trust and the Play department.
- Maintain high levels of patient confidentiality.
- Document therapeutic interventions and outcomes, contributing to children’s case notes
- Review and reflect on own practice and performance through annual check-ins and 1-1’s.
- Keep records of training attended as part of annual check-ins and reflective practice.
- Keep up to date with all the Trust training requirements.
- Participate in relevant internal and external learning opportunities,
Please refer to the Job Description for main duties of the job.
Working for our organisation
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and person specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.
Person specification
Knowledge and experince
Essential criteria
- Working with children/young people in a play/education/hospital setting
- Working as a team and as an individual
- Good knowledge of child development
- Working with parent/careers and extended family
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and have ability to communicate effectively at all levels
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
- Ability to work with and provide creative activities to individuals and groups of children and young people
- Health, safety, infection control and risk awareness
- Effective written and verbal communication sills
- Good organisation skills
- Good basic IT skills
Aptitudes
Essential criteria
- Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting demands
- Positive and motivated team player
- Enthusiastic and motivated to continually develop
Qualifications and training
Essential criteria
- NVQ level 3 in play or equivalent
- 3 GCES’s/levels including maths and English grade 2/c and above
Desirable criteria
- Training/qualification that supports role i.e. sensory play, disability awareness, arts/crafts.
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Jo Caseley
- Job title
- Play Department Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0117 3428194
- Additional information
Visits to the play department welcome by arrangement only.
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