At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in a refuge through creative play therapy and tailored support.
- Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to helping those affected by domestic abuse.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Female applicants only; dynamic team with a mission to empower vulnerable individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people who need it most.
- Qualifications: Recognised qualification in psychotherapy or counselling and experience with children.
The predicted salary is between 31612 - 31612 € per year.
Location: South Hampshire Women's Refuge, Southampton
Salary: £31,612 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: Full-time
Closing Date: 29 May 2026
Make a real difference where it matters most. 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.
What you'll be doing:
- 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
What we're looking for:
- 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
Important 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.
About the service:
With over 20 years' experience delivering refuge, safe accommodation, and community-based domestic abuse services, this service supports individuals and families affected by abuse through a range of provision, including:
- Women and children's refuges
- LGBTQ+ safe spaces
- Specialist culturally responsive refuge provision
- Dispersed accommodation for those unable to access traditional refuge settings
The wider organisation also manages a large portfolio of housing, supporting tens of thousands of customers across affordable housing and specialist accommodation services. Our mission is to provide quality homes and support for people whose needs are not met by the open market.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you do not hear from us within 7 working days, your application has been unsuccessful.
If this role is not for you but you do know somebody who would be interested, please feel free to refer them to us! We have a "Refer A Friend" bonus scheme and we will reward you retail vouchers for any referrals who are not already known to us and are successfully placed!
Red Snapper Recruitment is a member of the Red Snapper Group. The Red Snapper Group acts as an employment agency (permanent) and as an employment business (temporary) - a free and confidential service to candidates. The Red Snapper Recruitment Group is an equal opportunities employer.
Children & Young People Play Therapist in Southampton employer: Red Snapper Recruitment Limited
At RSR, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for our employees, particularly in our Domestic Abuse Services team. Working at the South Hampshire Women's Refuge in Southampton offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people, while benefiting from a collaborative work culture that values creativity and compassion. We prioritise professional development and provide ongoing training to ensure our staff can grow in their roles and continue to deliver high-quality support to those in need.
Contact Detail:
Red Snapper Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children & Young People Play Therapist in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of child therapy and domestic abuse services. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with therapeutic play and working with children. Include case studies or examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you, focusing on common questions for therapy roles. This will help you articulate your passion and approach to supporting children and young people effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our mission to support children and families in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Children & Young People Play Therapist in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping children and young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share your experiences and motivations clearly.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your qualifications!
Be Creative:Since this role involves creative therapeutic approaches, feel free to express your creativity in your application. Whether it’s through storytelling or unique examples of your work, we appreciate innovative thinking that reflects your personality.
Follow Up:After submitting your application through our website, don’t hesitate to follow up if you haven’t heard back within a week. We value proactive candidates, and it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Snapper Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development, attachment theory, and the impact of domestic abuse. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely passionate about helping children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since the role involves using creative therapeutic approaches like storytelling and art, be prepared to share examples of how you've used these methods in the past. Maybe even think of a quick demonstration or idea you could present during the interview to really impress them!
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This position requires working closely with families and multi-agency professionals. Be ready to talk about your experience in partnership working and how you’ve successfully collaborated with others to create tailored support plans for children and young people.
✨Be Compassionate and Person-Centred
The role is all about providing a safe space for healing. During the interview, convey your compassionate approach and how you prioritise the needs of children and their families. Share stories that highlight your non-judgemental attitude and flexibility in your therapeutic practice.
