Children & Young People Play Therapist

Job Description

We believe every child deserves a safe space to heal, grow, and thrive. We’re looking for a compassionate and creative Children & Young People Development Worker / Play Therapist to join our Domestic Abuse Services team. This is a unique opportunity to support children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse—helping them rebuild confidence, process trauma, and develop resilience through therapeutic play and person-centred support.

Responsibilities

• Deliver age-appropriate, strengths-based play therapy within a refuge setting
• Use creative therapeutic approaches such as storytelling, art, music, and role play
• Support children and young people to express emotions and build resilience
• Work collaboratively with families and colleagues to develop tailored support plans
• Partner with parents to create safe, nurturing environments
• Engage with multi-agency professionals and contribute to safeguarding best practice
• Play an active role in shaping and developing our children and family support programme

Requirements

• A recognised qualification in psychotherapy or counselling (Dip/PGDip or above)
• Registration with a relevant professional body (e.g. UKCP, BACP, BAPT)
• Proven experience delivering therapeutic support to children and young people
• Strong knowledge of child development, attachment theory, and the impact of domestic abuse
• A creative, flexible, and non-judgemental approach
• Excellent communication and partnership working skills

Additional Information

This post is restricted to female applicants only under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1). The role is based in a female-only domestic abuse refuge, where a female worker is required to ensure the privacy, dignity, and safety of residents.