Child Psychologist and Play Therapist

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Multidisciplinary team environment

Diverse caseload

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a qualified Child Psychologist in Port Elizabeth for a hybrid role focused on assessments and play therapy with children and adolescents.

You will conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide individual, group, and family therapy, coordinating with parents and schools while maintaining confidential records and adhering to ethical guidelines.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Clinical/Child Psychology or closely related field.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Psychologist.
• Specialized training and certification in Play Therapy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough psychological assessments for children and adolescents.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans using evidence-based approaches, especially play therapy.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy sessions.
• Collaborate with parents, caregivers, schools, and other professionals for coordinated care.
• Maintain confidential client records, progress notes, and treatment summaries.
• Stay current with research, ethical guidelines, and best practices in child psychology and play therapy.
• Participate in case consultations and team meetings to support clinical practice.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in Clinical/Child Psychology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established child and family wellness center based in Port Elizabeth, is seeking a qualified and compassionate Child Psychologist with expertise in Play Therapy. This is a critical role focused on providing comprehensive psychological assessment and therapeutic services to children and adolescents experiencing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. The successful candidate will utilize various therapeutic modalities, with a strong emphasis on play therapy, to facilitate healing and growth. The role requires a professional who can build strong therapeutic alliances with young clients and their families, fostering a safe and supportive environment for exploration and recovery. This position involves a hybrid work model, combining essential in-person sessions at our Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape clinic with the flexibility of remote consultations and documentation. We are committed to providing high-quality, accessible mental health services.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough psychological assessments, including diagnostic interviews, behavioral observations, and standardized testing for children and adolescents.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, particularly play therapy techniques.
• Provide ongoing individual, group, and family therapy sessions to address a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral disorders, and family conflict.
• Facilitate play-based interventions to help children express emotions, process experiences, and develop coping mechanisms.
• Collaborate with parents, caregivers, schools, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to client care.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely client records, including progress notes, assessment reports, and treatment summaries.
• Stay current with the latest research, ethical guidelines, and best practices in child psychology and play therapy through continuous professional development.
• Participate in case consultations and team meetings to enhance clinical practice and support colleagues.
• Potentially conduct workshops or psychoeducational sessions for parents or community groups.
• Adhere strictly to ethical codes and legal requirements governing the practice of psychology.

Requirements

• A Master's or Doctoral degree (e.g., M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D., D.Phil.) in Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology, or a closely related field.
• Registration as a Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is essential.
• Specialized training and certification in Play Therapy are required.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of clinical experience working with children and adolescents, including significant experience in play therapy.
• Proficiency in conducting psychological assessments and formulating differential diagnoses.
• Excellent understanding of child development, psychopathology, and therapeutic interventions.
• Strong empathy, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect effectively with children from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload effectively in a hybrid work setting.
• Commitment to ethical practice and professional development.
• Residency in or ability to commute to Port Elizabeth for on-site responsibilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Access to a diverse and interesting caseload, providing rich clinical experience.
• Professional development funding and opportunities for further specialization.
• Generous annual leave and study leave allowance.
• Contribution towards professional registration fees.