Job Description
Permanent role, full time or part time opportunities available
Remuneration as per PSA Allied Health MECA guidelines
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.
The opportunity:
Kidz First Childrens Hospital based at Middlemore has exciting opportunities available for Play Specialists. Play Specialists provide the opportunity for tamariki and rangatahi to grow and develop in the unfamiliar environment of a hospital. We are looking for someone who has experience working with children/young people within a diverse community.
The role involves maintaining normal developmental goals and assisting children and young people in coping with hospitalisation and illness, including procedural preparation and support. Diverse thinking, a sense of humour, organisational skills, and effective open communication skills are key requirements.
The successful candidate should have experience working in early childhood settings and hold a minimum three-year tertiary qualification in education such as a B Ed or B Tchg (ECE or Primary teaching) and a current Practicing Certificate (Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand). Qualifications in special education/early intervention would be an advantage.
Essential:
Relevant experience working in an early childhood/primary school setting
B Ed or B Tchg (ECE or Primary teaching) degree and current teacher registration and/ or HPS Registration (HPSRC Hospital Play Specialist Registration Council)
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Can demonstrate ability to provide appropriate play programmes for children of mixed aged groups
Demonstrate an ability to be able to work as part of a diverse team
Has worked within multi-cultural communities
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 Maaori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.
How to apply
To apply please click 'apply now'. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11th February 2026. To review the position description, please click here.
For more information on this role, please contact Amy Lin on amy.lin@middlemore.co.nz.
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
At Counties Manukau Health people and their lives matter to us. We are a values based and inclusive organisation that is committed to delivering the best health outcomes for our community. To help us achieve this we need a workforce that reflects the population we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds who share our values and have a passion to work in our community and would greatly value seeing applicants from our Maaori and Pacific communities. We are also committed to our Disability Strategy, which focuses on people with disabilities; they are our patients, whaanau, community and our staff - all carefully considered in our action plan. Together we will improve the accessibility needs for everyone who has a disability. Our values are Valuing Everyone- Whakawhanaungatanga , Kind Manaakitanga, Together Kotahitanga, Excellent- Rangatiratanga. If these are your values too, then join us today.
Remuneration as per PSA Allied Health MECA guidelines
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.
The opportunity:
Kidz First Childrens Hospital based at Middlemore has exciting opportunities available for Play Specialists. Play Specialists provide the opportunity for tamariki and rangatahi to grow and develop in the unfamiliar environment of a hospital. We are looking for someone who has experience working with children/young people within a diverse community.
The role involves maintaining normal developmental goals and assisting children and young people in coping with hospitalisation and illness, including procedural preparation and support. Diverse thinking, a sense of humour, organisational skills, and effective open communication skills are key requirements.
The successful candidate should have experience working in early childhood settings and hold a minimum three-year tertiary qualification in education such as a B Ed or B Tchg (ECE or Primary teaching) and a current Practicing Certificate (Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand). Qualifications in special education/early intervention would be an advantage.
Essential:
Relevant experience working in an early childhood/primary school setting
B Ed or B Tchg (ECE or Primary teaching) degree and current teacher registration and/ or HPS Registration (HPSRC Hospital Play Specialist Registration Council)
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Can demonstrate ability to provide appropriate play programmes for children of mixed aged groups
Demonstrate an ability to be able to work as part of a diverse team
Has worked within multi-cultural communities
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 Maaori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.
How to apply
To apply please click 'apply now'. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11th February 2026. To review the position description, please click here.
For more information on this role, please contact Amy Lin on amy.lin@middlemore.co.nz.
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
At Counties Manukau Health people and their lives matter to us. We are a values based and inclusive organisation that is committed to delivering the best health outcomes for our community. To help us achieve this we need a workforce that reflects the population we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds who share our values and have a passion to work in our community and would greatly value seeing applicants from our Maaori and Pacific communities. We are also committed to our Disability Strategy, which focuses on people with disabilities; they are our patients, whaanau, community and our staff - all carefully considered in our action plan. Together we will improve the accessibility needs for everyone who has a disability. Our values are Valuing Everyone- Whakawhanaungatanga , Kind Manaakitanga, Together Kotahitanga, Excellent- Rangatiratanga. If these are your values too, then join us today.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Hospital Play Specialist, Play Specialist Service position is now open for candidates interested in the Health Jobs sector. This role in Auckland offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Health Jobs is a plus.
