Job overview

We are looking for two passionate Health Play Specialists to join our Paediatric Oncology/haematology Outpatient Unit. You will join a well-established, valued Play team who are proactive and determined in providing positive hospital experiences and quality intervention for children and families. 

A strong candidate will have excellent knowledge and skills of therapeutic and normalising play and have a great understanding of the impact of hospitalisation on the child and their families. You’ll have excellent communication skills and can work autonomously and with members of the multidisciplinary team.  

If you are enthusiastic and committed to providing exceptional care through normalising and therapeutic play then we would like to hear from you.

You’ll hold an FdA in Healthcare Play Specialism or equivalent. A valid registration with the Society of Health Play Specialists is needed. Return to practice or year 2 of Health Play Specialism Fda/Apprenticeship applications are welcome.

Main duties of the job

The unit cares for children(0-16yrs) with Haematological or Oncological diagnosis, including general anaesthetic procedures as well as awake scans, consultations, tests and infusions including Chemotherapy

You’ll be motivated to create positive experiences for patients in hospital. You’ll have referrals and use evidence-based practice to assess, plan and implement therapeutic interventions to reduce anxiety, supporting children and their families in hospital.

You’ll encourage normal development and rehabilitation through your ability to connect with patients, providing appropriate play opportunities. You’ll work closely with other Play Specialists on the unit, recognising the emotional needs of children in hospital.

The roles include supervising and mentoring students and working collaboratively with the wider play team to develop projects to enhance the service. You’ll be a motivated, creative thinker who wants to build on their skills and able to prioritise your workload.

Working for our organisation

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.