At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower children through creative play therapy in a supportive refuge environment.
- Company: Join Stonewater, a leading provider of domestic abuse services with over 20 years of experience.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team dedicated to transforming lives and creating safe spaces.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of helping children heal and thrive after domestic abuse.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Play Therapy qualification and experience with children.
Location: South Hampshire Women’s Refuge, Southampton
Salary: £15,806 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Part Time (20 hours per week)
Make a real difference to the lives of children and young people affected by domestic abuse. At Stonewater, we believe every child deserves a safe space to heal and thrive. We’re looking for a compassionate, creative and qualified Play Therapist (known internally as Play Therapy Worker) to join our Domestic Abuse Services team. This is a unique opportunity to use your skills to empower children and young people through therapeutic play and person-centred support.
What you’ll do:
- Deliver age-appropriate, strengths-based play therapy to children and young people living in our refuge accommodation.
- Use a variety of creative techniques – from storytelling and art to music and role play – to help themselves and build resilience.
- Work with the children, young people and families development workers to create individual support plans and work closely with parents to create safe, nurturing environments.
- Collaborate with multi-agency partners and contribute to safeguarding best practice.
- Play a key role in shaping our children and family support programme.
What we’re looking for:
- A recognised Play Therapy qualification and registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., UKCP, BACP, BAPT).
- Experience delivering outcomes-focused therapy to children and young people.
- Strong understanding of child development, attachment theory, and the impact of domestic abuse.
- Ability to work creatively, flexibly, and in a non-judgemental way.
- Excellent communication and partnership skills.
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us create safe, supportive spaces where children and young people can flourish.
This post is restricted to female applicants only under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1. The role is based within a female-only domestic abuse refuge, where the provision of services requires a female worker to ensure the privacy, dignity, and safety of residents.
Discover Stonewater: Stonewater have 20+ years’ experience delivering refuge, safe accommodation and community based domestic abuse services. Our services include Women and Children’s Refuges, LGBTQ+ Safe Space, a South Asian Women’s Refuge and dispersed accommodation to support those that are unable to access traditional Refuges such as male survivors, those with pets and those facing multiple and complex disadvantage. Our dispersed model of safe accommodation ensures equal access for all. Stonewater is a leading housing provider. We manage around 40,000 homes, serving 93,000 survivors across our portfolio of affordable properties for general rent, shared ownership and sale, alongside specialist accommodation, with an ambitious house-building programme. Our mission is to provide quality homes and services for people whose needs are not met by the open market. We’re looking for like-minded people to join our team of over 800 talented colleagues who embody our values of being ethical, ambitious, passionate, agile and commercial, as well as people who want to make a difference and transform people’s lives.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and working towards accreditation for becoming a Disability Confident Leader, which allows us to record and report on disability, mental health and wellbeing in the workplace to better support our colleagues. We have also achieved accreditation for being an Advanced Employer for Investing in Ethnicity Maturity Matrix. We are committed to being a Menopause Friendly employer and working towards accreditation our Menopause Friendly accreditation.
Stonewater reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date.
To Apply: If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Stonewater, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Qualified Play Therapist in Southampton employer: Stonewater
Stonewater is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Located in South Hampshire, our work culture fosters compassion and creativity, providing employees with opportunities for professional growth while ensuring a supportive environment. With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our team to thrive as they help create safe spaces for those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Play Therapist in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Stonewater who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Stonewater can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Play Therapist in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Stonewater and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Stonewater see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stonewater
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Stonewater.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Stonewater about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Stonewater supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
