What is a play specialist?

What is a play specialist?

Working as a Play Specialist A hospital play specialist uses their understanding of child development and therapeutic play activities to help children cope with any pain, anxiety or fear they might experience during their time in hospital.

What skills do you need to be a play specialist?

To be a health play specialist, you’ll need the ability to build relationships with children, their parents and carers, counselling skills, knowledge of psychology, customer service skills, sensitivity and understanding, the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure, and to understand people’s reactions.

Who do play specialists work with?

A Health Play Specialist is a healthcare professional who uses play as a therapeutic tool. They work with children and young people both in and out of hospitals and in a variety of other medical settings throughout the community.

What is the role of the health play specialist?

Health play specialists understand child development and use therapeutic play activities to help children cope when in hospital.

What is the difference between a play specialist and play therapist?

Play specialists – unlike play therapists – simply play with children. Their job is to make the experience of hospital less traumatic. Through play, they talk to the children about their fears and worries and give them some fun times to ease the pain of operations, examinations and tests.

What qualifications do I need to be a play therapist?

Play Therapy Training

• – academic qualifications – bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, Early Childhood Studies, Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing or Social Work etc.
• – professional qualifications – Teaching, Nursing, Social Work, Visual Art, Drama, Performing Arts, Occupational Therapy or Probation Officers.

How do you become a qualified play specialist?

Entry criteria:

1. GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above, or equivalent Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy.
2. Minimum of a relevant Level 3 qualification in Childcare or a related field.
3. Minimum of two years’ post qualification employment, working with children.
4. Good communication skills.

How long does it take to become a play specialist?

The Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism is a two year course for people who have experience in working with children and young people to develop professional competence in the field of therapeutic play for children in a hospital or community setting.

What degree do you need for play therapy?

If you are interested in practicing play therapy, it is required that play therapists first become licensed mental health professionals with a master’s or doctoral degree in any mental health field.

What qualifications do I need to be a Play Therapist?

How does play therapy help a child?

Play therapy is a form of treatment that helps children and families to express their emotions, improve their communication, and solve problems. Play therapy capitalizes on children’s natural ability to express their feelings and resolve conflicts through play.

Can I be a play therapist without a degree?

You’ll usually need a degree-level qualification in teaching, social work, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy or a related area, as well as at least two years direct experience of working with children in a developmental role to get a place on a course.

What does a play specialist do for children?

Play is used to prepare children for treatment, distract them during a procedure, and help them understand what they have experienced. Amy shared with us her experiences working as a play specialist, including what to expect from the role and day to day duties.

How much does a health play specialist make?

Alternative titles for this job include Hospital play specialist Health play specialists understand child development and use therapeutic play activities to help children cope when in hospital. Average salary (a year) £20,329 Starter

Can a play specialist do a blood test?

Many children find coming for a blood test scary. It takes very experienced staff to know how to calm a fearful child and be able to complete the blood test in a quick and painless way. Alongside our skilled phlebotomists, play specialists play a key role in the children’s out-patients department for children and young people who need blood tests.

How to become a health play specialist Education Trust?

You will need to find an experienced and qualified Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust (HPSET) Registered Health Play Specialist who is willing to mentor and assess you in the workplace. When you have successfully completed both the work-based and academic requirements you will be eligible to register with HPSET.