General Information about Hospital Play Specialists in NZ
HPS positions in NZ:
Ours is a small profession with around 100 positions across New Zealand; most of these are in children’s wards in general hospitals around NZ or in one of the two paediatric centres in Auckland (Starship at Auckland City Hospital and Kidzfirst at Middlemore).
The majority of play services around NZ are also licensed hospital-based early education and care services and as such, can attract funding from the Ministry of Education. For this reason, many vacancies will stipulate that applicants hold a relevant early childhood teacher qualification and registration with the Teachers Council. All HPS roles will require that applicants complete the Vulnerable Children’s Act/police check clearance process.
Qualifications and Training:
There is not currently a specific tertiary qualification in Aotearoa/NZ for HPS, training is provided on the job once you secure a role and is the responsibility of your service. Most people start their journey as a HPS with a minimum 3 year tertiary qualification; typically in early childhood education or other fields that incorporate a developmental or youth focus.
Additional Skills:
Whether through paid work, voluntary work or your life experience - it is often helpful to have skills or experience in supporting children with diverse needs, working with families under stress, working with a range of age groups, and with those from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Highlighting skills in strength- based programming, play based learning, interpersonal relationships, prioritising or assessment may support your application for HPS roles.
Opportunities for professional development:
A mandatory transition pathway for new HPS is designed to support transition into the HPS role and create opportunities for developing clinical skills and reasoning. The transition pathway requirements of readings and professional development reflect the HPSAANZ competencies.
The HPSAANZ organises an international biennial conference – which is usually held over 2 days in March/April and runs in alternate years to the Australian conference. Typically, this includes an optional youth focussed intensive day prior to the conference starting. A great opportunity for our NZ based HPS and international colleagues to share new learning, resources or highlight projects.
Regional Kotahitanga are coordinated within each of the four regions (Northern, Te Manawa Taki, Central, Te Waipounamu) in alternate years to the HPSAANZ conference. Kotahitanga provides opportunities for professional networking, the sharing of ideas, innovations and practice, developing knowledge and reducing professional isolation.
Most hospitals also offer access to shared professional development through Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, and also through group discussions/presentations such as grand rounds and paediatric updates.
Ours is a small profession with around 100 positions across New Zealand; most of these are in children’s wards in general hospitals around NZ or in one of the two paediatric centres in Auckland (Starship at Auckland City Hospital and Kidzfirst at Middlemore).
The majority of play services around NZ are also licensed hospital-based early education and care services and as such, can attract funding from the Ministry of Education. For this reason, many vacancies will stipulate that applicants hold a relevant early childhood teacher qualification and registration with the Teachers Council. All HPS roles will require that applicants complete the Vulnerable Children’s Act/police check clearance process.
Qualifications and Training:
There is not currently a specific tertiary qualification in Aotearoa/NZ for HPS, training is provided on the job once you secure a role and is the responsibility of your service. Most people start their journey as a HPS with a minimum 3 year tertiary qualification; typically in early childhood education or other fields that incorporate a developmental or youth focus.
Additional Skills:
Whether through paid work, voluntary work or your life experience - it is often helpful to have skills or experience in supporting children with diverse needs, working with families under stress, working with a range of age groups, and with those from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Highlighting skills in strength- based programming, play based learning, interpersonal relationships, prioritising or assessment may support your application for HPS roles.
Opportunities for professional development:
A mandatory transition pathway for new HPS is designed to support transition into the HPS role and create opportunities for developing clinical skills and reasoning. The transition pathway requirements of readings and professional development reflect the HPSAANZ competencies.
The HPSAANZ organises an international biennial conference – which is usually held over 2 days in March/April and runs in alternate years to the Australian conference. Typically, this includes an optional youth focussed intensive day prior to the conference starting. A great opportunity for our NZ based HPS and international colleagues to share new learning, resources or highlight projects.
Regional Kotahitanga are coordinated within each of the four regions (Northern, Te Manawa Taki, Central, Te Waipounamu) in alternate years to the HPSAANZ conference. Kotahitanga provides opportunities for professional networking, the sharing of ideas, innovations and practice, developing knowledge and reducing professional isolation.
Most hospitals also offer access to shared professional development through Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, and also through group discussions/presentations such as grand rounds and paediatric updates.
