Health Play Specialist

Typical Salary

£21,892 To £30,615

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

weekends

How To Become a Health Play Specialist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You'll need a foundation degree in a healthcare play specialism to register with the Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust. This is a 2-year, part-time course. To get onto the course, you usually need:

a childcare qualification at level 3 or above
GCSEs or equivalent in English and maths
at least 2 years' experience of working with children - paid or voluntary

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a health play specialist higher apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as a play assistant with a relevant childcare qualification at level 3 and work your way up by training on the job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
knowledge of psychology
customer service skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to understand people’s reactions
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

As part of this role you may:

carry out therapeutic assessments
design play activities to meet children's individual needs
plan and run play, art and craft activities at the bedside, on the ward or in a hospital play area
create an environment that encourages play
talk to parents or carers about the value of play and suggesting suitable activities
organise parties and other special events

Working Environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

You can do volunteering in a healthcare setting.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Many health play specialists have a background in nursery work. You could also do this job with experience and qualifications in related areas, like community play, nursing, occupational therapy, social work, teaching, art, drama or music therapy.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a health play specialist from the Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust and the National Association of Health Play Specialists.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

You will need to find an experienced and qualified Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust (HPSET) Registered Health Play Specialist who is willing to mentor and assess you in the workplace. When you have successfully completed both the work-based and academic requirements you will be eligible to register with HPSET. Registration is voluntary but recommended.