Play Specialist

• Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier’s Hospital, Child Health Team
• Permanent, Part-time 48 hour’s per fortnight (0.6 FTE)
• Rewarding Career – Be part of a team that saves lives and improves health outcomes daily.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

As a Play Specialist, you will work directly with children, young people, and their whānau to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with hospitalisation and medical procedures. You will use therapeutic play, preparation, and distraction techniques to support emotional wellbeing, promote understanding, and enhance coping strategies during healthcare experiences. This is a deeply rewarding role where you’ll make a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki and their families.

This permanent 0.6 FTE position offers flexibility and a supportive multidisciplinary environment where your creativity and empathy will thrive.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our Child Development and Paediatric teams are passionate, family-focused, and committed to delivering child-centred care. We work closely with children and their whānau to ensure that their health journey is as smooth and positive as possible.

Hawke’s Bay offers excellent work-life balance, sun, beaches, exceptional outdoor adventures, great schools, mountains and skiing close by, wonderful food and stunning wineries, vibrant cities and plenty more to boast about. For more information on living and working in Hawke’s Bay click HERE

About you

As a Play Specialist, you will bring compassion, creativity, and a strong understanding of child development to your work. You will be a valued part of a multidisciplinary team and passionate about supporting children and families in healthcare settings.

• Recognised Play Specialist qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience working with children in a healthcare, education, or therapeutic setting
• Strong knowledge of child development and therapeutic play techniques
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to culturally safe practice and working in partnership with whanau/family.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To review the position profile, click HERE To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ellie Robertson via email on Elin.Robertson@hbdhb.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.