At a Glance
- Tasks: Help children navigate their experiences through play therapy and creative methods.
- Company: Join a transformative team at the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous pension, up to 30 days annual leave, and flexible working.
- Other info: Enjoy professional development and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and support families in need.
- Qualifications: Relevant play therapy qualifications and a passion for working with children.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About this job
This is a unique position, opportunity and moment for you to bring yourself as a Play Therapist to a place where in the work, miracles happen, and seeds of hope come to life. This post is part of the development of a play therapy team, where we are working with children known the children\'s social care, to help them make sense of their lived experiences and narratives. This is a place where our work actually brings about deep change in both the children\'s lives and that of their families, often preventing disruptions in children\'s living arrangements and starting new patterns of being able to be together. This role also offers the play therapist and the adolescent ways of explaining and thinking about complexity through sensory medias, so it no longer feels like play but really makes sense of, and highlights, their feelings and experiences. As Play Therapists, we get to be situated right at the point of most need, which means we have the privilege of seeing great change and impact.
Re-applying for posts
Applicants who have not been shortlisted or who are unsuccessful at interview cannot reapply for the same job if it\'s within 6 months of the first advert – for further information please refer to our Jobs and Career Page - \'Working for us and Information for Applicants\' on our website.
Special requirements for this post
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and a comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on successful applicants including a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check at enhanced level for both children\'s and adults.
About you
As a play/adolescent therapist, you will be exploring issues around trauma and identity, through the use of all the play therapist tool kit. You will need to be able to apply theories in order to offer analytical understanding of your sessional material. However, clinical supervision comes as an integral part of this work.
This position will suit a therapist who works with children and holds relevant play therapy qualifications. Whilst the post will focus on working with children and teenagers, it will also offer the opportunity to work collaboratively with family members to build bonds and attachments and develop therapeutic life story work. We have also developed exciting group work methods with children, which will offer you as the therapist the ability to work with and understand siblings like never before. Once again, training and supervision will be offered to this post.
The applicant must be able to assist any child by displaying a working knowledge of play therapy methods and theories, whilst being able to work between the play therapy quadrants using various modalities and all media as is necessary.
Critical criteria.
Personal : Energy, passion, perseverance, and an eagerness to creatively engage with child/young person and their connected people and professionals. An insightful team player.
Professional: Relevant professional therapy qualifications and accreditations with therapy bodies. We offer creative clinical supervision and work as a small coherent therapeutic team with clear management and peer interaction. It is essential that the incoming team member understands working within corporate care processes in order to work in a close multidisciplinary way. Analytical report writing is critical to this position.
About us
This is an exciting time to join the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. We have been on a journey over the last few years, that has seen us transform the council and the way we deliver our services. At the heart of this transformation is our community. We need committed individuals to support us in the delivery of these aims and to become part of our team to make a difference to our children and families. In return we offer a competitive pay package, generous pension, annual leave up to 30 days, investment in your learning and development as well as a commitment to your wellbeing. We work in a dispersed way, offering flexible working arrangements.
One borough; one community; London\'s growth opportunity
Play Therapist in London employer: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
As a Play Therapist with the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, you will be part of a transformative team dedicated to making a profound impact on the lives of children and their families. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises your professional growth through ongoing training and clinical supervision, alongside a competitive pay package and generous benefits including up to 30 days of annual leave. Join us in a role where your creativity and passion can truly flourish, all while enjoying the flexibility of dispersed working arrangements in a vibrant community.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Therapist in London
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Therapist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for London Borough of Barking and Dagenham:Take some time to research London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for London Borough of Barking and Dagenham's values and approach.
