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Job summary

Main area
Play
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Part time - 30 hours per week (30hr per week over 4 or 5 days (Consideration will be given to successful applicants for more or less less hours))
Job ref
387-W&C1675-LH
Employer
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston 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
14/05/2026 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust logo

Health Play Worker

Band 3

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University of Bristol and Weston Hospital Trust (UHBW) are working towards merging as one organisation from summer 2026. 

This will not affect staff applying for positions directly with UHBW. 

As an organisation we 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.

Click on this link to find out about our values https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/p/about-us/our-trust-values

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

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a combined workforce of over 13,000 staff and over 100 different clinical services across 10 different sites, serving a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as ‘Good’ overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward- thinking multi-award winning Trust and a digital exemplar committed to improving patient care, our world-leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact. 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. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 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.

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received.

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.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

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

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.

Documents to download

Apply online now

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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