Job title:
Senior Pepper Play Specialist (Suitable as a development post for a play specialist or an experienced Senior Play Specialist)
Contract Type:
Permanent – 30-37.5hrs
Location:
Community based in Herts & Bucks (as well as homeworking)
Salary:
£31,049-£33,487 FTE Dependant on Experience
Line Manager:
Lead Senior Play Specialist
Accountable to:
Lead Senior Play Specialist
Applications open: 04/02/2026
Applications close: 02/03/2026
Apply by: Sending your CV and cover letter to Kiah- Head of Fundraising & Service Delivery at knicolas@pepper.org.uk
Face-to-Face Interview Date: Monday 9th March 2026
Primary purposes of the post
As a Senior Play Specialist, you will work alongside the Lead Senior Play Specialist to deliver the Pepper Play Service. This service is predominantly an outreach model providing one to one specialised play sessions within children’s homes, but on occasion may include within the hospital setting (on a specific patient basis for children who are already on the caseload), sessions may include siblings and other family members.
You will use theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play interventions. As the Pepper foundation supports children who have a life limiting and life-threatening diagnosis, the children we support often have very complex needs (in terms of medical needs, physical needs, and may need full support to play in ways that are most appropriate and enjoyable for them and their needs). Sessions may include working with children who are at or approaching the end of their life. All play sessions with the Pepper Play Service have a large basis around enjoyment and memory making, however some sessions may include the more formal aspects of memory making such as hand/ footprints, casting, creating memory boxes and albums.
The Pepper Play Service supports with family days and group sessions (for example music sessions), as a Senior Play Specialist you will support in the organisation of such events, including supporting with elements such as booking external activities and carrying out risk assessments.
As play is a vital part of children’s holistic care, the Pepper Play Service works closely with the healthcare services supporting the children and families on our caseload – as such you will attend regular MDT meetings, providing regular feedback on play sessions, including notifying of any changes or concerns observed in sessions. You may at times be asked to support children with specific specialised play such as preparation, anxiety around procedures and post procedural play input.
You will ensure that the service is adhering to best practices within GDPR, Health & Safety, safeguarding and Policy & Procedure guidelines.
Area of operation
Covering Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Duties and responsibilities
- Carrying out assessment and induction process for new referrals, including risk assessments of the home and working alongside the lead play specialist to triage play and recreational needs.
- To use theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice to; assess, plan and evaluate specialised play plans for children aged 0 – 19, who have life limiting or life threatening conditions.
- Deliver play services one-to-one or in small groups either in children’s homes or another suitable location, with a parent, guardian or carer present at all times.
- Work in partnership with parents and/or carers and key workers/assigned nurses to implement planned play sessions, informing key professionals of any observations.
- To keep clear, documented evidence of each play session, in line with the Pepper Play Service’s guidelines.
- Attend multi-disciplinary team meetings with healthcare providers (such as hospices, community nursing teams and hospital teams) in relation to children on the caseload.
- Organise family day events and group activities delivered by external providers.
- Work alongside the Lead Senior Play Specialist to support on-going monitoring of caseload and capacity.
- Work alongside the Lead Senior Play Specialist to ensure all play equipment is; safe, effective and stored/ transported in line with best practice.
- Work along side the Lead Senior Play Specialist to identify potential need for new resources and equipment to ensure all children’s play needs are met, including supporting the fundraising team with applications for funding and purchasing process.
- To work inline with policy and procedure, including GDPR, safe guarding and infection control.
- Report and record all accidents and incidents in line with the safeguarding policy and other relevant policies.
- Represent The Pepper Foundation at relevant forums, conferences, and networking events- giving speeches or talks where needed.
- Attend Pepper events when appropriate to represent the charity and actively promote the impact of the Pepper Play Service and The Pepper Foundation.
- Work collaboratively with internal fundraising team to raise awareness of the service and assist with the preparation of case studies and other promotional assets.
- Support the Lead Senior Play Specialist to monitor service impact, outcomes, and feedback.
- Work with the Lead Senior Play Specialist to ensure you maintain your CPD required both for revalidation and your own personal goals for development.
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