Early Childhood Play Therapist

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Professional development

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging is seeking a qualified Early Childhood Play Therapist to support emotional and social development in young children through therapeutic play, with a hybrid work model.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Play Therapy (or related field), mandatory Play Therapy certification, and at least three years of supervised experience with ages 3–10, plus strong empathy and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Play Therapy, Child Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Professional certification in Play Therapy (e.g., RPT, RPT-S) is mandatory.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervised play therapy with young children (ages 3–10).
• In-depth knowledge of child development, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and active listening skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and families.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of children's emotional, social, and behavioral needs.
• Develop and implement individualized play therapy plans.
• Facilitate play-based sessions using modalities like art, sandplay, and puppetry.
• Build rapport and maintain a secure therapeutic environment.
• Collaborate with parents and caregivers for support and psychoeducation.
• Coordinate with other professionals to ensure holistic care.
• Maintain confidential client records and progress notes.
• Stay updated with research and best practices in play therapy.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Education

Master's in Play Therapy

Play Therapy Certification (RPT/RPT-S)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a family services organization in Vereeniging , Gauteng, is seeking a qualified and compassionate Early Childhood Play Therapist. This role is instrumental in supporting young children's emotional and social development through therapeutic play techniques. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in child psychology and specialized training in play therapy. You will work directly with children, creating a safe and supportive space for them to express themselves, process experiences, and develop coping mechanisms. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to positively impact the lives of children and families in the Vereeniging community. The role involves a blend of direct client work and potentially some administrative duties, with a hybrid work model allowing for flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to understand children's emotional, social, and behavioral needs.
• Develop and implement individualized play therapy plans tailored to each child's specific requirements.
• Facilitate play-based sessions using various modalities (e.g., art, sandplay, puppetry) to encourage self-expression and emotional regulation.
• Build rapport and trust with children, creating a secure therapeutic environment.
• Collaborate with parents and caregivers to provide support, guidance, and psychoeducation.
• Work closely with other professionals, such as teachers and pediatricians, to ensure a holistic approach to child care.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records and progress notes.
• Stay current with research and advancements in play therapy and child development.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Play Therapy, Child Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Professional certification in Play Therapy (e.g., RPT, RPT-S) is mandatory.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervised experience in providing play therapy to young children (ages 3-10).
• In-depth knowledge of child development, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and active listening skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and families.
• Proficiency in maintaining professional boundaries and ethical practice.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid or flexible work environment is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Opportunity to specialize and grow within the field of play therapy.
• Supportive work environment focused on child and family well-being in Vereeniging .
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between remote and in-person work.
• Professional development opportunities.