PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
The role of the Child Play Therapist is vital to the successful delivery of quality programmes and services in Neart Le Cheile for children who access the service.
The Child Play Therapist will deliver a community-based play therapy service and support the children aged 4-12 years old in Neart Le Cheile, Neilstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
The Child Play Therapist will provide therapeutic interventions for children who are negatively impacted by substance misuse. The role will support those of the Senior Social Care Worker, Social Care Workers, and Counsellor / Psychotherapist. The child play therapist will provide support with minimal barriers for the children and their caregivers engaging with Neart Le Cheile.The successful candidate will possess the skill set necessary to respond to a broad range of children issues related to a family members substance misuse, including: domestic violence, motivation ,relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, and phobias, loss, coping with illness, abuse, developmental issues, adjustment problems, stress, trauma, violence, anger, and psychosexual difficulties.
The Neart Le Cheile Service is located in Unit 1 / 2 Neilstown Shopping Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, (D22 AK38).
This role involves working (19 Hrs per week) however, some earlier or evening work will be required to facilitate group work, staff accompaniments or the functioning needs and operation of the service and a time in Lieu system is in operation. A level of flexibility will be required for working days / patterns.
· The Child Play Therapist will have a background in one of the following, Play Therapy NQF Level 9
Or
· Qualified therapist with specialism in play therapy.
The ideal candidate would also be ideally entered onto the CORU register of Social Care Workers.
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CHALLENGES OF THE ROLE:
The nature of Neart Le Cheiles work involves supporting the most vulnerable and marginalized families and children in society who often have complex needs and may present with trauma. As a result, during your work you may engage with sensitive and confidential matters that require empathy, compassion and pragmatism. You may also come in contact with children and families who are in distress, displaying challenging behaviours or struggling to moderate their behaviour. Patience, respect and an ability to remain professional and focused on deescalating is essential. Further training will be provided to assist you in managing these behaviours.
As an organisation that is largely funded by public money, effective use of resources is a continuous focus and challenge.
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KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
* Providing community based individual play therapy and where suitable group play therapy sessions to children referred to the service.
* Carry out assessments in conjunction with the senior social care worker to ensure suitability to the service.
* Work collaboratively with the child / young person and family to carefully consider the aims of therapy interventions and to continually review work.
* Assess the needs of the children and develop tailored therapeutic plans.
* Utilise a variety of play therapy techniques to address emotional, psychological, and behavioural issues.
* Work in partnership with the wider staff team to ensure efficient and timely delivery of the play therapy service.
* Maintain accurate and confidential records of all therapy sessions and client interactions.
* Develop and implement treatment plans based on initial assessments and ongoing evaluations.
* Monitor and evaluate the progress of each child, adjusting therapeutic approaches as needed.
* To work in line with the Policies and Procedures of Neart Le Cheile
* To fulfil obligations as per the Children First Act 2015 and comply with Neart le Cheile Child Protection policy.
· To always approach children and families with dignity and respect and ensure they are provided with choices around the care and services they receive.
· To attend staff meetings, handovers, case reviews and any other meetings as appropriate and contribute in a professional manner.
· Maintain the service to a high standard including cleaning of Workstations, office spaces, communal areas and outside areas.
· To assist Individuals in gaining access to their personal files in accordance with procedures.
· To report immediately to the Manager, any incidence of malpractice by a staff member in relation to the treatment of any children or caregiver accessing Neart Le Cheile
· To ensure that each child or caregivers personal property is respected and protected insofar as is possible.
· To comply with responsibilities under the Data Protection Acts 1988, 2003 & 2018 (GDPR).
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Liaison:
· To establish responsive liaison arrangements both within the service and externally with Local stakeholders, Clondalkin Drug & Alcohol Task force, HSE, Tusla and other Key partners.
· To promote the work of Neart le Cheile to other organisations.
· To attend internal and external meetings where appropriate and as requested.
· To be accountable for your workload and movements to both your
line manager.
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The Appropriate Candidate Will Have:
· A recognised qualification in Play Therapy NQF Level 9 or qualified therapist with specialism in play therapy.
· Registration with an appropriate professional body (e.g., IAPTP, PTIRL)
· CORU: One of the following
(1) Registered with the social care workers registration board maintained by Coru.
(2) Hold a Coru approved social care Qualification and have applied for Coru registration (Evidence Required)
(3) Eligible for registration with the social care workers registration board maintained by Coru (Evidence required)
· The ability to relate to and care for vulnerable and marginalized children, young people, and to demonstrate a genuine respect for them, their parents, caregivers and family members.
· An understanding of family dynamics, youth mental health, substance misuse, hidden harm, separated families, Domestic Violence abuse etc
· Knowledge of child development, best carers practices, healthy family structures, healthy eating and local community supports to caregivers and children.
· Knowledge on facilitating and delivering evidence-based models of interventions.
* Strong interpersonal & communication skills
* A proven ability to respond to clinical and ethical dilemmas along with confidence and skill in providing feedback to parents
· Ability to engage effectively with children from different backgrounds and with varying needs
* Ability to work co-operatively as part of a team
· Be fluent in written and spoken English and eligible to work in Ireland
It would be an advantage for the candidate to have:
· Experience working on one's own initiative, managing one's own caseload and time management.
· Full driver's license and use of own car.
· Trauma and resilience training an advantage
· Experience and knowledge of working in two or more of the following areas: Family Support, Child Residential Care, Mental Health, Challenging Behaviour, Addiction / Substance Misuse.
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· Read the Post Description Carefully
· Review the Job description/ Person specification, duties, and requirements to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
· Write a cover letter highlighting your suitability.
· Attach an up to date CV.
· Address each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description / person spec.
· Include copies of relevant qualifications, certificates, or references
· Ensure all documents are up to date and clearly labelled.
Submission Process:
· Send your application by email to by 5pm on 10/10/2025 and in the heading line please state "Child Play Therapist Application" when attaching your cover letter and CV.
For any further queries around the advertised role, please contact:
: Service Manager
: Chairperson
Shortlisting will apply.
Please note only candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted. Candidate must be available for in person interview
The successful candidate will only be appointed after successful completion of Garda vetting and reference checks.
Neart Le Cheile is an equal opportunities employer.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: €22,044.00-€25,487.00 per year
Expected hours: No more than 19 per week
Benefits:
* Bike to work scheme
* Employee assistance program
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person