Child Psychologist - Play Therapy Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a Polokwane-based child and family wellness center to hire a skilled Child Psychologist specializing in play therapy. The role covers comprehensive assessments and therapeutic interventions for children with emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs.

The position is hybrid, combining in-clinic sessions in Polokwane, Limpopo, with remote consultations, and emphasizes collaboration with families, schools, and healthcare professionals to promote holistic care and

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Clinical or Child Psychology.
• Current HPCSA registration in South Africa.
• Specialized training/certification in Play Therapy.
• Proven experience with children/adolescents and psychological assessments.
• Strong communication, empathy, and professional boundaries.
• Experience with tele-mental health platforms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and diagnostic evaluations for children and adolescents.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans focusing on play therapy.
• Facilitate individual, group, and family therapy sessions.
• Support parents/caregivers on managing behavior and emotional well-being.
• Collaborate with schools and healthcare professionals for integrated care.
• Maintain confidential records and stay updated on best practices.
• Conduct remote sessions as needed and engage in supervision and development.
• Contribute to outreach programs and psychoeducational workshops.

Skills

Play therapy

Child psychology

Assessment & diagnosis

Empathy & communication

Case management

Education

Master's or PhD in Clinical/Child Psychology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established child and family wellness center in Polokwane, is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Child Psychologist with a specialization in play therapy. This role involves providing comprehensive psychological assessments and therapeutic interventions for children facing a range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. The ideal candidate will be adept at utilizing play therapy techniques to create a safe and effective therapeutic environment, fostering healing and growth in young clients. This hybrid position allows for both in-person sessions at our clinic in Polokwane, Limpopo, and remote consultations, offering a flexible and modern approach to mental healthcare.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and diagnostic evaluations for children and adolescents.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, with a primary focus on play therapy interventions.
• Facilitate individual, group, and family therapy sessions to address a variety of psychological concerns.
• Provide support and guidance to parents and caregivers on managing children's behavior and emotional well-being.
• Collaborate with schools, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure integrated care.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in child psychology and play therapy.
• Conduct remote therapy sessions via secure video conferencing platforms as needed.
• Participate in clinical supervision, case consultations, and professional development activities.
• Contribute to the development of outreach programs and psychoeducational workshops for the community.

Requirements

• A Master's or Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology or Child Psychology.
• Current registration with the relevant professional board (e.g., HPCSA) in South Africa.
• Specialized training and certification in Play Therapy (e.g., PTUK, APT).
• Proven experience working with children and adolescents presenting with diverse psychological issues.
• Expertise in conducting psychological assessments and formulating diagnoses.
• Strong clinical skills in various therapeutic modalities, particularly play therapy.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively and maintain professional boundaries.
• Experience with tele-mental health platforms and protocols.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits package, and opportunities for continuous professional development and specialization.
• The hybrid work model provides a balance between in-office and remote work.
• You will join a supportive and collaborative team environment in Polokwane, Limpopo, dedicated to providing high-quality mental healthcare to children and families.