Invitation for Expression of Interest
Role: Play Therapy Associate - to deliver Play Therapy
Location: Omagh District Council Area
Shift Pattern: Flexible sessional work. £45.00 per session.
Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 25th February 2026
Benefits of becoming a MindWise Associate Play Therapist:
· Leading mental health charity in NI providing mental health support and improving wellbeing for all.
· For 50 years, MindWise has been at the forefront of a movement championing the rights and recovery of people living with severe mental illness.
· Contribution towards session room costs.
· A unique opportunity to help us develop our service and support more individuals in need throughout Northern Ireland.
· Blended, person-centred approach to delivery of the service dependent on the individual's needs.
· Opportunities to bring your individual skills and talents to support other areas of our work.
The role involves:
· 1:1 Direct work with Children aged 5 – 12.
* Case Load Management including reporting mechanisms.
* Operating within the guiding framework of MindWise's Wellness Service Operational Manual.
Key objectives for the post:
As a Play Therapist, you will utilise your specialised skills and knowledge to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can express themselves freely, especially those who may be struggling to articulate their feelings or make sense of their experiences. Through play and creative mediums, you will empower children to explore emotions and develop coping strategies that lead to personal growth and emotional well-being.
Key responsibilities include:
· Facilitate Self-Expression: Use play and creative arts to help children express emotions, especially when verbalising is difficult.
* Encourage Creative Exploration: Offer various methods (e.g. drawing, painting, sand trays, drama, puppetry, music) to help children process emotions and explore new ways of understanding themselves.
* Promote Positive Change: Create a safe space for children to explore their identity, leading to personal growth and positive changes.
* Support Emotional Understanding: Guide children in identifying emotions and practicing healthy appropriate responses.
* Aid in Recovery and Discovery: Support emotional recovery, resilience, and self-awareness through therapeutic play.
* Build a Strong Therapeutic Alliance: Establish a trusting relationship to ensure children feel supported and understood.
Essential Requirements for Consideration:
· To be a professionally qualified Play Therapist and be a registered member of Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK) or The British Association of Play Therapists BAPT UK and be live on the register without Sanction;(a) Required to be on the register as a Certified Play Therapist
· Qualified practitioners – a minimum of one and a half hours supervision a month. Supervision must be with a registered PTUK supervisor who is a current member of PTUK .
· Evidence of completing training relating to Safeguarding of Children within the last 2 years.
· Knowledge of clinical outcome measurement tools i.e. CoreNet (and be willing to complete proficiency training on CoreNet).
· Be able to drive or have access to transport and willing to work within Fermanagh & Omagh District Council Area's providing one to one support.
· To have, or be in the process of obtaining, Professional Indemnity Insurance to the level of £5million.
· To have, or be in the process of obtaining, Public Liability Insurance to the level of £10million.
Proof of current registration, insurance and training will be required before commencement of any sessional work.
The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced NI check with Children's Barred check list.
MindWise are an equal opportunities employer
For an Expression of Interest/Application Pack please email:
For any queries regarding this position, please contact:
or
Pay: £97.68-£216.35 per day
Work Location: In person