Early Years Specialist - Play Therapy

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 134,000 - 201,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Part-time role

Professional development opportunities

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks an Early Years Specialist with a focus on Play Therapy for a part-time role. You will work with children aged 3–7, using play-based methods to address emotional and behavioural needs.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's in Play Therapy or related field, is HPCSA-registered, and brings experience with play-based interventions. Collaboration with families and professionals is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Play Therapy, Child Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or related field with Play Therapy specialization.
• Registered with HPCSA or relevant regulatory body as Play Therapist or Psychologist.
• Proven experience with play-based interventions in young children.
• Strong understanding of child development, attachment theory and trauma-informed care.
• Excellent diagnostic, assessment and therapeutic skills.
• Strong communication, empathy and teamwork to work with families.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of emotional, social, and behavioural needs through observation and interaction.
• Design and implement individualized play therapy plans and materials.
• Facilitate individual and group play therapy sessions to support coping skills.
• Provide guidance to parents/caregivers on supporting emotional development at home.
• Collaborate with teachers, psychologists and social workers for coordinated support.
• Maintain confidential client records including progress notes and treatment plans.
• Stay updated with best practices in play therapy and early intervention.
• Deliver workshops for parents and educators on relevant topics.
• Ensure a safe, confidential therapeutic environment for sessions.
• Advocate for needs of children and families within the centre and community.

Skills

Play Therapy

Child development

Trauma-informed care

Education

Master's degree in Play Therapy or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dedicated early intervention centre in Upington, Northern Cape , is seeking a specialized Early Years Specialist with a focus on Play Therapy. This role is vital for supporting young children (ages 3-7) who require therapeutic intervention to address emotional, social, or behavioural challenges. You will utilize play-based techniques to help children explore their feelings, process experiences, and develop coping mechanisms. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, and various play therapy modalities. This position requires a compassionate, patient, and skilled professional committed to fostering resilience and well-being in young children. You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure comprehensive support.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to identify emotional, social, and behavioural needs of young children through observation and interaction.
• Design and implement individualized play therapy plans for children, utilizing appropriate therapeutic techniques and materials.
• Facilitate individual and group play therapy sessions to help children express emotions, resolve conflicts, and develop coping skills.
• Provide support and guidance to parents and caregivers on how to support their child's emotional development at home.
• Collaborate with other professionals, such as teachers, psychologists, and social workers, to ensure a coordinated approach to child support.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records, including progress notes and treatment plans.
• Stay current with best practices and research in play therapy and early childhood intervention.
• Develop and deliver workshops or training sessions for parents and educators on relevant topics.
• Ensure a safe, confidential, and therapeutic environment for all sessions.
• Advocate for the needs of the children and families within the centre and community.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Play Therapy, Child Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or a related field with a specialization in Play Therapy is essential.
• Professional registration with a relevant regulatory body (e.g., HPCSA) as a Play Therapist or Psychologist is required.
• Proven experience working therapeutically with young children using play-based interventions.
• A strong understanding of child development, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care.
• Excellent diagnostic, assessment, and therapeutic skills.
• Strong communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills to build rapport with children and families.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and case management.
• A clear criminal record check and valid First Aid certification.
• Knowledge of the South African context and relevant child protection services is advantageous.

Benefits

This part-time position offers a competitive remuneration package, commensurate with your specialized skills and experience, for work within Upington, Northern Cape . You will have the opportunity to specialize in a rewarding field, making a profound positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children and their families. Our client provides a supportive professional environment and opportunities for continued learning and development in play therapy. This role allows you to utilize your expertise in a meaningful way, contributing to the well-being of the youngest members of the community.