Job Title: Child Counsellor / Play Therapist - Specializing in Autism and ADHD
Company Name: Happy Parent & Child Initiative
Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk - Sessions will take place at our fully equipped therapy room in Hadleigh, Suffolk.
Job Type: Practice-based: Sessional Part-time Counsellor / therapist
Do you want to join our team?
Are you a passionate and experienced Play Therapist or child counsellor with a deep understanding of working with individuals who are autistic and those with ADHD? Happy Parent and Child Initiative is seeking dedicated professionals to join our team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
Responsibilities:
* Conduct play therapy / therapeutic play-based counselling sessions tailored to the unique needs of individuals who are autistic and/or ADHD and other neurodivergent individuals.
* Provide support and guidance to parents and caregivers, offering strategies for managing challenges associated with autism and ADHD.
* Stay informed about the latest research and therapeutic approaches in the field of play therapy, autism, ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance and other neurodivergent traits and mental health issues.
Requirements:
* ESSENTIAL:- Undergraduate Degree in Counselling, Mental Health nursing, Social Work or equivalent PLUS: Further postgraduate training in Play Therapy, Counselling Children and adolescents from the age of 4 years, or further training in creative art and therapeutic play.
* ESSENTIAL:- Have a current membership to a professional body (BACP, PTUK, UKCP etc)
* Essential:- Must be able to work with children aged 4 years old.
* Must have or be willing to have an enhanced DBS.
* Must have a current Supervisor.
* Ability to assess clients' suitability for therapy and be able to use Assessment tools like the RCAD, PHQ, GAD, etc...
* Proven experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed as autistic and ADHD.
* Strong understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals who are autistic and those with ADHD.
* Desirable - you have personal experience of neurodivergence in your life.
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
* Ability to adapt therapeutic techniques to meet the individual needs of each client.
* Be willing to work as a team.
* Have the ability to learn to use our appointment systems.
* Be willing to have case management reviews with your line manager (This is NOT supervision - you will also be required to have your own supervisor, we can also offer supervision from February 2026)
* Have current, up-to-date insurance.
* We can offer further training.
Disclaimer
The nature of this role is different from your average job.
You would be working as a sessional therapist, working as part of the team for Happy Parent and Child Initiative.
You can set your own fees
You pay for the room and equipment hire (Details will be provided to the applicants who meet our requirements).
You can bring in your own private practice clients, as well as receive referrals through us.
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of Children and families and meet the above requirements, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and two professional references through Indeed.
Deadline for Application: Open until positions are filled
Join our team and be part of a company dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children and families
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £45.00-£60.00 per hour
Benefits:
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Education:
* Bachelor's (preferred)
Experience:
* Working with Autistic/ADHD individuals: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Registration with a professional body like BACP, PTUK ETC? (required)
Work Location: In person