Play Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly focused on mental health, the role of a play therapist has never been more crucial.

As society progresses, the need for skilled professionals who can guide, understand, and aid children through their emotional and psychological challenges grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a play therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the ins and outs of play therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable play therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Play Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Play Therapists use a variety of play and creative arts techniques to alleviate chronic, mild and moderate psychological and emotional conditions in children who are experiencing social or emotional difficulties.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Consult with parents, caregivers, teachers, or other professionals to gather necessary information about the child’s behaviour, emotions, or social interactions
• Develop and implement therapeutic treatment plans based on the individual needs of the child
• Utilize play therapy techniques to help children express their thoughts and feelings
• Assess and interpret children’s play and interactions to identify emotional or behavioural issues
• Monitor the child’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed
• Provide feedback to parents or caregivers about the child’s progress in therapy
• Work collaboratively with other professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, and teachers to provide holistic support for the child
• Advocate for the child’s best interests in various settings, including home, school, and social environments
• Attend professional development workshops and seminars to stay updated with the latest play therapy techniques and research
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality of all therapy-related information

 

Play Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Play Therapist to join our team.

As a Play Therapist, you will use therapeutic play to help children understand and process their experiences.

Play Therapist responsibilities include assessing the child’s needs, developing treatment plans, and working closely with parents or caregivers to provide guidance and support.

Our ideal candidate is a certified play therapist, with a strong understanding of child psychology, and has exceptional communication skills.

Ultimately, the role of the Play Therapist is to provide a safe and supportive environment for children to express their feelings and facilitate their emotional development.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess the emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of children
• Develop and implement therapeutic play programs
• Document and evaluate the child’s progress
• Work closely with families to provide guidance and support
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards
• Refer children to other professionals or agencies when necessary
• Stay up-to-date with latest play therapy techniques and research
• Communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team

 

Qualifications

• A certified play therapist or equivalent
• Experience working with children in a therapeutic setting
• Knowledge of child development and psychology
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A patient and compassionate approach
• Ability to observe and interpret children’s play
• Sound judgement and the ability to work independently
• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Play Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting, schools, or homes depending on the nature of work. May require travel for home visits or consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Director or Lead Therapist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Play Therapist Do?

Play Therapists are trained professionals who use play-based techniques to help children understand and communicate complex feelings and behavior.

They often work in schools, hospitals, and private practices.

Play Therapists use a variety of interactive and imaginative games and activities to help children express their emotions.

This can include using toys, drawing, role-play, and storytelling.

They work closely with children who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, such as trauma, loss, or significant changes in their family situation.

They help these children process their experiences, understand their feelings, and develop coping strategies.

Play Therapists also work with parents, caregivers, and educators to provide guidance and strategies for managing a child’s behavior.

They may also liaise with other professionals such as social workers, psychologists, and pediatricians to ensure that the child receives a comprehensive support system.

Regular assessment and documentation of a child’s progress is a significant part of a Play Therapist’s role, which is used to refine the therapy plan as needed.

Play Therapists adhere to ethical guidelines, which include maintaining confidentiality and providing a safe and supportive environment for the child.

Their ultimate goal is to improve the child’s mental health and wellbeing and to enhance their ability to function effectively in their daily lives.

 

Play Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A qualified play therapist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Understanding of child development and childhood psychology to interact effectively with children and create therapeutic interventions tailored to their needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with children, helping them feel comfortable and safe during play therapy sessions.
• Knowledge of various therapeutic play techniques and the ability to implement them effectively to assist children in expressing their feelings and experiences.
• Exceptional communication skills to interact with children, parents, and other professionals, explaining the process and benefits of play therapy and providing updates on a child’s progress.
• Patience and empathy to deal with children who may have experienced trauma or are dealing with difficult emotions.
• Problem-solving skills to identify a child’s emotional or behavioral issues and devise suitable therapeutic strategies to address them.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics, respecting the rights and dignity of the child and family at all times.
• Observational skills to interpret children’s behavior and play, gaining insights into their emotional state and development.
• A qualification in counselling, psychology or a related field, and certification from a recognized play therapy organization.

 

Play Therapist Experience Requirements

Play Therapists are usually required to have a background in psychology, social work, or a related field, often at the level of a Master’s degree.

This academic training provides the foundational knowledge in child development and therapeutic strategies.

Hands-on experience often begins in the form of supervised internships or practicum placements during their graduate studies, where they can apply learned theories in a practical setting.

Here, they gain experience working directly with children and families, often in a therapeutic context.

After graduation, entry-level Play Therapists may need to accumulate 1 to 2 years of experience in a clinical setting, working directly with children and adolescents.

Experience in child protection services, school-based programs, or mental health clinics can be particularly valuable.

Those with more than 3 years of experience may have honed their specialized skills and knowledge in play therapy techniques.

This experience could also include the use of play therapy in a group setting, crisis intervention, or in the treatment of specific conditions like trauma or grief.

Play Therapists with over 5 years of experience often have further specialization in a particular area of play therapy, and may have experience supervising other therapists or interns.

They may also be prepared for a leadership role, such as a program coordinator or director of a play therapy department.

 

Play Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Play Therapists typically have a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.

They are required to have a strong background in child development and therapeutic interventions.

The coursework typically includes child psychology, family dynamics, and play therapy theories and techniques.

Most states require play therapists to be licensed as mental health professionals, such as licensed counselors, psychologists, or social workers.

Licensing requirements generally include completing a master’s program, obtaining a certain number of supervised clinical hours, and passing a state-recognized exam.

In addition to a state license, many play therapists obtain a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) certification through the Association for Play Therapy.

This certification requires additional supervised play therapy experience and continuous education.

Although not required, many play therapists pursue a doctorate degree or further specialization in areas such as trauma, autism, or behavioral disorders, to improve their skills and knowledge.

The career of a play therapist requires a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development to stay updated with the latest research and techniques in the field.

 

Play Therapist Salary Expectations

A Play Therapist typically earns an average salary of $47,860 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary greatly based on the individual’s experience, certifications, the complexity of the cases they handle, and the region in which they are employed.

 

Play Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a play therapist need?

A play therapist should possess strong communication and observational skills to understand and interpret the child’s behavior during play therapy sessions.

They should have a deep understanding of child psychology and development.

Being patient and compassionate is also a must for this role, as well as creative problem-solving skills to adapt the therapy to each child’s needs.

 

Do play therapists need a degree?

Yes, becoming a play therapist typically requires a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work.

After their master’s, individuals must complete several hours of supervised clinical experience and meet state licensing requirements.

Some may also choose to earn voluntary certification from the Association for Play Therapy.

 

What should you look for in a play therapist resume?

When reviewing a play therapist resume, you should check for a relevant educational background and any necessary licenses or certifications.

Prior experience working with children, particularly in a therapeutic context, is also valuable.

Additional considerations may include any specialized training or experience dealing with specific conditions or disorders.

 

What qualities make a good play therapist?

A good play therapist is empathetic and understanding, able to connect with children and build trust.

They should be patient, as progress in therapy can often be slow.

Creativity is also key, as play therapists use various types of play to help children express their feelings and experiences.

A good play therapist should also be flexible, able to adapt their approach based on the child and their individual needs.

 

Are play therapists in high demand?

The demand for play therapists often depends on the region and the prevalence of mental health issues among children in that area.

However, as awareness and understanding of children’s mental health continues to grow, so does the need for specialized professionals like play therapists.

Job prospects also tend to be better for those with advanced degrees and certification.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the meaningful world of being a play therapist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about playing games.

It’s about nurturing the emotional well-being of children, one play session at a time.

With our handy play therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all prepared to take the next step.

But don’t stop there.

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each play session contributes to a child’s bigger emotional journey.

Let’s shape those futures. Together.