Job Description

Play Therapist

Location:

Hybrid - remote and in-person, ideally with reach into the Greater Manchester area, Stockport, Trafford, Cheshire and Salford considered

Contract:

Associate or Part-time contracts available

Salary:

32000.00 - 36000.00 DOE Pro Rata

About Held Health

Held Health is a multidisciplinary service that supports children, young people, and their families with neurodevelopmental conditions, emotional wellbeing challenges, and mental health needs. We provide online and in-person assessments and interventions across the UK, working collaboratively to ensure families feel heard, held, and helped.

As a Play Therapist at Held Health, you will work closely with families, clinicians, and education professionals to deliver thoughtful, developmentally informed therapy to children facing complex life experiences such as trauma, anxiety, bereavement, or neurodivergence. You will be part of our neurodevelopmental assessment service and wider therapeutic support offering.

Play Therapist Key Responsibilities

Deliver Play Therapy sessions for children Contribute to neurodevelopmental assessments (Autism and ADHD) through structured observations and activity-based sessions where appropriate Conduct initial therapeutic consultations and ongoing case reviews Assess and review the therapeutic needs of each child in collaboration with the wider team Maintain clear, accurate, and timely clinical records, reports, and safeguarding notes Work closely with parents/carers and liaise with schools and other professionals to support the child holistically Contribute to multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and clinical formulations Participate in regular clinical supervision and reflective practice Stay up to date with relevant research and best practices in Play Therapy and child mental health

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for a compassionate, confident and curious Play Therapist who is:

Experienced in working with children with a range of needs, including trauma, loss, anxiety, neurodivergence, and developmental challenges Emotionally resilient, calm under pressure, and able to hold difficult emotional material sensitively Skilled in working independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team Highly organised and confident managing a varied caseload A reflective practitioner with strong safeguarding knowledge

Your skills and experience:

Recognised qualification in Play Therapy from a BAPT- or PTUK-accredited programme Registration with BAPT, PTUK, or a relevant professional body Minimum 2 years' post-qualifying experience working therapeutically with children and families Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Strong understanding of child development and attachment Commitment to safeguarding and ethical therapeutic practice IT proficiency, including experience using Microsoft Office and clinical case management systems

Desirable:

Experience in delivery of Theraplay, Creative Arts Therapy or similar. ADOS-2, ADI-R or similar training/experience in neurodevelopmental assessments Experience working within an Autism or ADHD diagnostic service Experience delivering therapy remotely Familiarity with trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practice

What We Offer

Flexible working arrangements with autonomy and support Opportunities to contribute to service development Regular clinical supervision and MDT case discussion Access to CPD and professional development support Supportive and values-led team environment Competitive salary and transparent progression

Your Compensation and Benefits:

Salary 32000.00 - 36000.00 Pro Rata DOE Company Pension scheme where applicable Holidays - 34 days including bank holidays Pro Rata Induction Programme Opportunities for professional learning and development with career advancement Supportive and collaborative work environment, including a proactive Multi-disciplinary Team Dedicated regular clinical supervision for our full time roles - creating a safe, reflective space with clear boundaries, tasks, and expectations. This person-centred focus allows our staff to feel heard, supported, and equipped to grow in their roles. Maternity / Paternity / Adoption Leave Regular Team events Cycle to work scheme

How to Apply

To express interest, please submit your CV to suzanne.bee@held.health and a short covering note explaining why you would like to join Held Health. If you'd like to discuss the role before applying, we'd be happy to arrange an informal conversation.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and safeguarding in all areas of our work. All successful applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS and background checks and must provide references.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,000.00-36,000.00 per year

Expected hours: No less than 7.5 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Cycle to work scheme Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Licence/Certification:

Play Therapist registration (required)
Willingness to travel:

50% (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Manchester M27 6DB