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Job summary

Main area
Theraputic Play
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Part time - 34.5 hours per week (3 x 11.5 hour shifts covering weekends and BH)
Job ref
100-ACS075-0426
Employer
Hywel Dda University Health Board
Employer type
NHS
Site
Glangwili General Hospital
Town
Carmarthen
Salary
£26,300 - £27,890 per annum, pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
15/04/2026 23:59
Interview date
29/04/2026

Employer heading

Hywel Dda University Health Board logo

Health Play Assistant

Band 3

Our Hywel Dda values reflect who we are and how we behave. We continuously work together to be the best we can be as we strive to develop and deliver excellent services, putting people at the heart of everything we do. Throughout our recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you would demonstrate these values in the way that you work with us.

If you are registered Health Care professional considering relocating to the Hywel Dda area in West Wales please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment campaigns team directly via [email protected]

To keep up to date with our latest recruitment activity follow us on Facebook (Swyddi Hywel Dda Jobs), LinkedIn or on Twitter @SwyddiHDdaJobs

Hywel Dda University Health Board reserve the right to close vacancies after 24 hours if a large number of suitable applications are received. We encourage early applications to ensure consideration for a post.


The Agenda for Change Pay Award for 2026/27 is effective from 1st April 2026.

Please note successful applicants with a start date from 1st April onwards the salary will be as per the 2026/27 pay award. For further detail the pay circular is available via this link https://www.nhs.wales/files/pc-resources/afc-w-02-2026-pdf-pdf?ts=1773244958086

Job overview

  • To maintain a safe, child focused environment where play occurs naturally.
  • To provide normalising play for children attending the hospital as patients or outpatients.
  • To document play interventions.
  • To use knowledge of child development when selecting play activities.
  • To provide quality play service for all children, young people and their families, enabling them to feel safe and at ease within the hospital environment. 

Main duties of the job

  • To organise and supervise play activities for individual children and groups of children, young people in hospital, according to their individual needs and as part of the overall plan.
  • To plan, where appropriate, a programme of activities for the playroom.
  • To support health care professionals in other areas of the hospital where children and young people are cared for.
  • To encourage and support parents to join in with their children/young people.
  • Ensure that toys are maintained and cleaned routinely in line with the Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Health and Safety and Infection Control Policy.

Working for our organisation

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

  • Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
  • Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
  • Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
  • 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
  • Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Interviews to be held on 29/04/2026.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences.  In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Person specification

Qualifications & Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • NNEB or NVQ Level 3 or above in Child Care / play or equivalent child care qualification
Desirable criteria
  • Willing to undertake the Foundation Degree in Health Play Specialism course

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous experience fo working with children/young people in either a play, education or hospital setting
Desirable criteria
  • Documented evidence of continuing professional development
  • Experience of working as a team member

Language Skills

Desirable criteria
  • Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareNo smoking policyCymraegDisability confident employerStep into healthCarer Confident (With Welsh translation)Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldCore principlesStonewall 2023 Bronze

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.

Welsh language skills are desirable

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Rebecca Treharne
Job title
health play specialist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01267 229818
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