Job summary
Utilise clinical skills, experience and knowledge to assess patient needs allowing for appropriate prioritisation of therapeutic playpreparation, distraction, and emotional support for babies, children and young people (BCYP), seeking advice from manager when necessary.
Provide developmental, therapeutic and specialised play techniques creating individual play programmes for all ages and diversities in an effort to fulfil emotional, social and developmental needs and help alleviate emotional trauma within families.
Support the development and management of systems to ensure smooth transition of care for BCYP from one area of the hospital to another, and from other health settings/community care providing age-appropriate information about the patient's care and treatment.
Actively contribute to elements of projects and health board events as delegated, whilst ensuring time is managed effectively to maintain clinical responsibilities.
Help to organise and participate in fund raising events.
Participate in the development and promotion of therapeutic play services throughout Hywel Dda and more widely.
Main duties of the job
We are looking to appoint a dynamic, innovative and passionate individual who has the ability to both work in partnership with our families and colleagues.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Providing a comprehensive programme of therapeutic play interventions through one to one sessions or group work.
Providing specific therapeutic play and support to children and young people in health care settings
Providing expertise underpinned by theory, education and training in therapeutic play to members of the Multi-Disciplinary Health, Social Care team and third sector agencies.
Maintaining, developing, and evaluating the therapeutic, play service to create a service that remains fit for the future.
The ability to travel between sites in a timely manner is essential as this post will cover three counties. The post will be based in the Children's Centre, Glangwili General Hospital, Carmarthen.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Interviews will be held on 02/03/2026
About us
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); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
- Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applications are welcome from students due to qualify in 2026. Appointment will be subject to successful completion of professional registration with Society of Health Play Specialists which must be confirmed as part of preemployment checks. The successful candidate will not be able to commence in post until registration has been obtained.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applications are welcome from students due to qualify in 2026. Appointment will be subject to successful completion of professional registration with Society of Health Play Specialists which must be confirmed as part of preemployment checks. The successful candidate will not be able to commence in post until registration has been obtained.
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 and knowledge
Essential
- FdA Healthcare Play Specialism, Edex / BTEC in Specialised play for the sick child (previous HPSC/ HPSEB), or international equivalent
- Registered Health Play Specialist with Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS)
- Knowledge and Understanding of the SoHPS Code of Professional Conduct and Professional Standards and its application in practice
- Knowledge and understanding of child development.
- Knowledge of the value of play for sick children and young people.
- Sound knowledge of safeguarding issues
- Demonstrable CPD in line with expectations of SoHPS registration
Desirable
- Basic Secondary Education up to 5 GCSE level or beyond, including English and Math's (GCSE Grade A* - C)
- NVQ, CACHE, NNEB (Level 3) in Child Care/Play Work or Diploma in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or Early Childhood Studies (BA) Training in counselling skills
- Sign Language
Experience
Essential
- Experience in working with children and young people with complex, medical and psychological needs, in health, social care or educational setting
- Documented evidence of continuing professional development.
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
Language skills
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- FdA Healthcare Play Specialism, Edex / BTEC in Specialised play for the sick child (previous HPSC/ HPSEB), or international equivalent
- Registered Health Play Specialist with Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS)
- Knowledge and Understanding of the SoHPS Code of Professional Conduct and Professional Standards and its application in practice
- Knowledge and understanding of child development.
- Knowledge of the value of play for sick children and young people.
- Sound knowledge of safeguarding issues
- Demonstrable CPD in line with expectations of SoHPS registration
Desirable
- Basic Secondary Education up to 5 GCSE level or beyond, including English and Math's (GCSE Grade A* - C)
- NVQ, CACHE, NNEB (Level 3) in Child Care/Play Work or Diploma in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or Early Childhood Studies (BA) Training in counselling skills
- Sign Language
Experience
Essential
- Experience in working with children and young people with complex, medical and psychological needs, in health, social care or educational setting
- Documented evidence of continuing professional development.
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
Language skills
Desirable
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
