Early Childhood Play Therapist & Family Support

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 103,000; Part time

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley is seeking an early childhood play therapist to support emotional, social, and cognitive development through play-based therapy with young children. You will work directly with children in a therapeutic setting, guiding expression and coping strategies.

Collaborating with parents and families, you will maintain confidential records, implement individualized plans, and stay current with best practices to provide high-quality therapy in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Play Therapy, Child Psychology, Counseling, or related field.
• Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or equivalent certification.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience providing play therapy to young children.
• Strong communication, empathy, and active listening skills.
• Ability to work with diverse families and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct play-based assessments to identify children's needs.
• Develop and implement individualized play therapy treatment plans.
• Facilitate individual and group play therapy sessions with children.
• Support children in expressing and managing emotions through play.
• Provide psychoeducation and support to parents and caregivers.
• Collaborate with educators and pediatricians for holistic care.
• Maintain confidential client records and document progress.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Active listening

Rapport building

Confidentiality

Case management

Education

Master's degree in Play Therapy, Child Psychology, Counseling, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a qualified and empathetic Early Childhood Play Therapist to join their dedicated team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This role focuses on utilizing play as a therapeutic tool to support the emotional, social, and cognitive development of young children facing various challenges. You will work directly with children in a therapeutic setting, employing various play modalities to help them express themselves, process experiences, and develop coping mechanisms. Additionally, you will provide guidance and support to parents and families, empowering them to foster a positive environment for their child's growth. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in child psychology, play therapy techniques, and experience working with early childhood populations. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of children and families within the Kimberley community. We are committed to providing high-quality therapeutic services and fostering a supportive environment for our staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct play-based assessments to identify children's emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs.
• Develop and implement individualized play therapy treatment plans for young children.
• Facilitate individual and group play therapy sessions using a variety of age-appropriate techniques.
• Help children to express, understand, and manage their emotions and behaviors through play.
• Support children in developing social skills, problem-solving abilities, and resilience.
• Provide psychoeducation and support to parents and caregivers on child development and therapeutic strategies.
• Collaborate with other professionals, such as educators and pediatricians, to ensure holistic child support.
• Maintain confidential client records and document progress in a timely manner.
• Stay current with best practices and research in play therapy and early childhood development.
• Create a safe, non-judgmental, and engaging therapeutic environment.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Play Therapy, Child Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or equivalent certification is essential.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience providing play therapy to young children.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development, attachment theory, and therapeutic play techniques.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and active listening skills.
• Ability to build rapport with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong ethical understanding and commitment to confidentiality.
• Experience in case management and documentation.
• Must possess patience, creativity, and flexibility.
• Background check and professional references required.

Benefits

• Competitive contractor rates and flexible working hours.
• Opportunity to specialize in early childhood play therapy.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for case consultation.
• Contribution to a community-focused organization.
• Potential for long-term engagement based on performance.
• Access to therapy resources and materials.