CAMHS Professionals is recruiting a passionate and creative Play Therapist on behalf of a client delivering Children and Young People's Mental Health Services across Norfolk and Waveney.
Working with children aged 4–13, the successful candidate will provide specialist play therapy interventions to those experiencing emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. The role involves therapeutic assessment, formulation and the delivery of evidence-informed interventions tailored to the individual needs of each child and their family.
The post-holder will work closely with parents, carers, schools and wider professionals to help children understand and manage their emotions, build resilience and achieve positive outcomes. As part of a multidisciplinary team, they will collaborate with a range of therapeutic practitioners to ensure children receive the right support at the right time, and will contribute to service development work aimed at improving access, reducing waiting times and enhancing the experience of children and families.
Our client offers a supportive, reflective and values-led working environment where innovation and professional growth are encouraged. Regular clinical supervision, reflective practice and ongoing CPD are provided to support therapeutic practice and career progression.
Job purpose
To provide evidence-based play therapy interventions, on a one-to-one and group basis, to children experiencing emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties — working collaboratively with families, schools and partner agencies to improve outcomes and support children to build resilience, emotional wellbeing and positive coping strategies.
Clinical practice
- Undertake assessment, formulation and intervention planning for children referred into the service
- Deliver high-quality, evidence-based play therapy interventions appropriate to presenting need
- Develop child-centred therapeutic plans informed by assessment, formulation and outcome measures
- Maintain a safe therapeutic environment that promotes emotional expression, exploration and growth
- Adapt interventions to the developmental, emotional and cultural needs of individual children
- Work collaboratively with parents, carers and professionals to support therapeutic goals
- Undertake risk assessment and safety planning where required
- Identify safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately in line with the client's policies
Service delivery
- Manage a caseload of children and families in line with service expectations
- Deliver interventions across community venues, schools, family hubs and the client's own sites
- Support smooth transitions between pathways and services
- Contribute to reducing waiting times through effective caseload management and timely intervention
- Promote engagement and reduce non-attendance through proactive communication with families
Outcome monitoring and quality
- Complete routine outcome and experience measures in line with service requirements
- Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records on the client's systems
- Provide reports, summaries and professional opinions where appropriate
- Contribute to service evaluation, quality improvement and audit activity
- Participate in clinical supervision, reflective practice and peer support
Partnership working
- Build positive relationships with schools, social care, health partners and community organisations
- Represent the service professionally within multi-agency meetings
- Promote awareness of the service and the client's wider provision
Professional responsibilities
- Maintain professional registration and accreditation
- Participate in continuing professional development
- Work within professional codes of ethics and practice standards
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the client's therapeutic services
- Comply with the client's policies and procedures, and demonstrate commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion
- Undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the role
Person specification
Essential qualifications
- Recognised qualification and a minimum of a diploma in Play Therapy
- Accreditation or registration with PTUK, BAPT, APT or equivalent
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Eligibility to work with children and young people in a therapeutic setting
Desirable qualifications
- Post-qualification specialist training in trauma, attachment, neurodiversity or child mental health
- Clinical supervision qualification
- Additional therapeutic qualification
Essential experience
- Delivering therapeutic interventions to children and young people
- Assessment, formulation and treatment planning
- Working with emotional wellbeing and mental health presentations
- Maintaining professional clinical records and outcome measures
- Working collaboratively with parents, carers and professionals
Desirable experience
- CYP mental health services
- Education settings
- Multidisciplinary team working
- Supporting neurodiverse children and young people
- Delivering group-based interventions or parent support
Other requirements
- Ability to travel across Norfolk and Waveney
- Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle
- Flexible approach to service delivery
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