Job summary
- Main area
- Play Worker
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 241-442MD-26
- Employer
- Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Paediatric Emergency Department - Royal Bolton Hospital
- Town
- Bolton
- Salary
- £25,760 - £27,476 pa
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 30/07/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Play Worker
NHS AfC: Band 3
Job overview
To provide high‑quality play, distraction, and emotional support to children, young people, and their families within the Paediatric Emergency Department (PED). The post holder will use therapeutic and developmental play to reduce anxiety, promote coping, and enhance the overall patient experience in a fast‑paced emergency environment.
Main duties of the job
A hospital play worker supports children and families through therapeutic play, distraction, and emotional support during what can be a frightening and fast paced experience. Their core duties focus on reducing anxiety, preparing children for procedures, and helping the clinical team deliver child centered care.
Working for our organisation
The Paediatric Emergency Department is a very busy, multi cultural department that sees approximately 3000 children each month. The team and wider MDT work closely with each other to provide the best care possible for the children who attend the department.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The play worker will work closely with children and their families providing therapeutic play, emotional support, and procedural preparation. They will assist with cleaning toys and patient environments and collecting feedback from those who attend the department.
Further information can be found on the job description.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Qualified Play Worker or equivalent
Skills
Desirable criteria
- Evidence of working under pressure
- Knowledge and understanding of child development
- Understanding of safeguarding in a clinical context
- Experience of working within a health care setting
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to support children with additional needs
- Infection, prevention and control awareness
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Gemma Elcoat
- Job title
- Ward Manager - Paediatric Emergency Department
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01204 390415
- Additional information
I work a variety of days, so if I am not on shift please send me an email.
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