Child Development Specialist & Play Therapist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Conducive facility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Child Development Specialist & Play Therapist in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will assess children's emotional and cognitive needs, design play-based interventions, and support families with evidence-based strategies.

The role blends on-site and remote work to engage children and families effectively. Highlight your 4+ years of therapeutic experience and a relevant Master's degree, with RPT certification.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a field related to child development with specialization in play therapy.
• Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or equivalent certification is required.
• Minimum of 4 years working directly with children in therapeutic or developmental roles.
• Strong knowledge of child development stages and common challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children's developmental and emotional needs.
• Develop and implement individualized play therapy plans for children.
• Facilitate individual and group play therapy sessions using various modalities.
• Provide guidance to parents/guardians on home strategies to support development.
• Collaborate with educators, pediatricians and other professionals for holistic care.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records and progress notes.
• Stay updated with research in child development and play therapy.
• Create a safe, engaging therapeutic environment for children.
• Organize workshops for parents or educators on development topics.
• Contribute to program development and strategic goals of the center.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Active listening

Rapport building

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Child Psychology

Tools

Remote therapy tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected child development center in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking a dedicated Child Development Specialist & Play Therapist. This role is crucial in supporting children's emotional, social, and cognitive growth through evidence-based practices and therapeutic play. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in child psychology, early childhood development, and proficiency in various play therapy techniques. You will work with children and families to address developmental challenges, promote resilience, and enhance overall well-being. This hybrid role offers a mix of on-site and remote work, providing flexibility while ensuring direct engagement with the children and families in the beautiful Stellenbosch region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children's developmental and emotional needs.
• Develop and implement individualized play therapy plans to address specific challenges and promote healthy development.
• Facilitate individual and group play therapy sessions using a variety of therapeutic modalities.
• Provide support and guidance to parents/guardians on strategies to foster child development at home.
• Collaborate with other professionals, such as educators and pediatricians, to ensure a holistic approach to child care.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records, documenting progress and treatment plans.
• Stay current with research and advancements in child development, play therapy, and related fields.
• Create a safe, supportive, and engaging therapeutic environment for children.
• Organize and facilitate workshops or training sessions for parents or educators on child development topics.
• Contribute to the overall program development and strategic goals of the center.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Child Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or a related field with specialization in play therapy.
• Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or equivalent certification is required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working directly with children in a therapeutic or developmental capacity.
• Proven experience in conducting child assessments and developing therapeutic interventions.
• Strong knowledge of child development stages and common developmental challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with children from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in documentation and record-keeping.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with remote therapeutic tools and platforms is a plus.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Meaningful work impacting children's lives positively.
• Access to therapeutic resources and a well-equipped facility.