Play Specialist | The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 30 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £32,199 - £34,876 Pro rata |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 30 May 2026 |
| Location: | Sutton, SM2 5PT |
| Company: | The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7976763/282-C1345-A |
Summary
We are seeking a motivated and experienced play specialist to join our Play Specialist Team.
The successful applicant will support children and young people undergoing treatment for cancer in the Children and Young Peoples Department. Applications are welcome from experienced play specialists with the Hospital Play Specialist Certificate (SOHPS) or the Health Play Specialist foundation degree.
This post is part of the play team on The Oak Centre for Children and Young People at The Royal Marsden Hospital. The post holder will plan, deliver and evaluate play and activities for the children/adolescents on the unit and act as deputy to the Senior Play specialist in her/his absence.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
For further information please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification
• To apply theoretical knowledge and evidence based practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play interventions.
• Under the direction of the Senior Play specialist, to organise, initiate and supervise play/activity facilities for children/adolescents, appropriate to their cognitive development, religion, culture and medical condition.
• To participate in the assessment of play/activities and the developmental needs of individual children/adolescents and to plan and implement play/activity programmes as part of their total care.
• To help develop the provision of activities for adolescents, from age 10 to 15 years.
• To assist in teaching the value of play/activities for the child/adolescent in hospital.
This advert closes on Thursday 14 May 2026
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