Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. 

Job Title: Play Team Assistant 

Contract Type: Permanent

Under current Home Office rules, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.  

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team to support children, young people and their families during their hospital journey by delivering engaging play, recreation and developmental activities that promote wellbeing, recovery and resilience.

Working alongside our experienced Healthcare Play Specialists and multidisciplinary teams, you will help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children can play, learn and thrive. From supporting children to adjust to hospital life, to providing emotional support during difficult times, no two days are the same.

We're looking for someone who:

Has a passion for working with children and young people.
Is creative, compassionate and enthusiastic.
Enjoys building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
Can adapt activities to meet a wide range of developmental and individual needs.
Is committed to delivering outstanding child and family-centred care.

In return, you'll join a supportive and experienced team where your ideas and contributions are valued, with opportunities to develop your skills and make a genuine difference to the experiences of children and families within our Children's Hospital.

If you're ready to bring energy, creativity and compassion to a role where every day matters, we'd love to hear from you.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

 We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

 Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

 We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Delivering and supervising age-appropriate play, recreational and developmental activities that support the emotional, social and developmental wellbeing of children and young people in hospital.
Creating a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment while helping children, young people and families adapt to hospitalisation through play, recreation and emotional support.
Working alongside Healthcare Play Specialists and the wider multidisciplinary team to contribute to assessments, care planning and the delivery of play-based interventions, including preparation and distraction techniques following training.
Maintaining play resources and equipment, keeping accurate records, and supporting service improvement, audits and departmental initiatives to enhance the patient and family experience.

What experience/skills are needed:

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, NNEB qualification or equivalent childcare qualification.
Knowledge and understanding of child development from birth to 18 years, with a commitment to child and family-centred care.
Ability to communicate effectively with children, young people and families, including those experiencing stress, anxiety or crisis.
Experience of working effectively as part of a team, with strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Additional Information:

Previous experience in an acute hospital setting would be advantageous but is not essential.
The role requires the ability to safely move and handle children, patients and equipment in line with Trust policies and procedures.
The successful applicant will be required to undertake safeguarding training and work in accordance with safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, and clinical governance requirements.
This post is subject to the appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance.