Play Therapist

Faith Works Counseling; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Faith Works Counseling in Albuquerque, NM, is seeking a full-time independent contractor Play Therapist to deliver evidence-based, play-based therapy to children and adolescents. The role includes conducting individualized treatment plans and collaborating with families, schools, and professionals.

The ideal candidate has a Master's or Doctoral degree in a relevant field, a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience, and proficiency in play therapy techniques. The position emphasizes ethical practices, documentation, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of direct clinical experience with children and families.
• Play therapy experience strongly preferred.
• Appropriate licensure or eligibility to practice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct age-appropriate play therapy sessions to assess and treat children and adolescents.
• Build a safe, trusting therapeutic environment using play-based interventions.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to coordinate care.

Skills

Evidence-based play therapy approaches

Crisis intervention

Parent coaching

Communication skills

Education

Master’s or Doctoral degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or Play Therapy

Job description

A full-time independent contractor Play Therapist at Faith Works delivers evidence-based, play-based therapy to children and adolescents, emphasizing developmental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the therapist conducts assessed, individualized treatment plans, engages families through parent coaching, and collaborates with schools and other professionals. The role emphasizes ethical practice, thorough documentation, crisis intervention when needed, and ongoing professional development to support client outcomes and family support. The Play Therapist reports directly to the Clinical Supervisor Clinical Liaison (CSCL).

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct age-appropriate play therapy sessions to assess and treat children and adolescents dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral concerns, trauma, attachment issues, and developmental challenges.
• Build a safe, trusting therapeutic environment using play-based interventions.
• Utilize evidence-based approaches such as directive/non-directive play therapy,-based on client needs.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients, families, and the multidisciplinary team.
• Establish measurable goals and track progress through standardized assessments and clinical notes.
• Provide family involvement and parent guidance to support treatment goals and generalization of skills.
• Offer parent coaching, psycho-education, and strategies for home reinforcement.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to coordinate care for complex cases.
• Communicate with teachers, physicians, and school counselors as appropriate (with consent).
• Maintain thorough documentation in electronic health records (EHR) in a timely and compliant manner.
• Ensure confidentiality and adherence to privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA).
• Participate in case conferences, supervision, and professional development to ensure high-quality, ethical practice.
• Seek ongoing professional growth and licensure requirements.
• Engage in community outreach and referral development to expand access to services.
• Provide crisis intervention and risk assessment as needed, following established protocols.
• Adhere to ethical standards and regulatory guidelines for mental health practice.

Job Requirements/Qualifications

• Education: Master’s or Doctoral degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Play Therapy, or a related field.
• Licensure/Certification: Appropriate licensure or eligibility to practice (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Psychologist, and/or Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or RPT-S preferred). Completion of post-graduate supervised play therapy experience may be required.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of direct clinical experience with children and families; play therapy experience strongly preferred.

Clinical Skills

• Proficiency in evidence-based play therapy approaches (e.g., directive play therapy, non-directive play therapy, sand-play, cognitive-behavioral play therapy, filial therapy) and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to assess, diagnose (within scope), and develop treatment plans tailored to developmental levels.
• Strong communication skills with children, adolescents, and caregivers; aptitude for parent coaching.
• Professional Qualities: Empathy, patience, cultural humility, collaboration, adaptability, and strong ethical judgment.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times