Play Therapist

Play Therapist (Independent Contractor)
Location: Cork
Liaising with: Clinical Lead
Expected Commitment: 1 day per week
Fee: negotiable based on qualifications and experience

Purpose

ChildVision is seeking the services of an experienced Play Therapist (Independent Contractor) for an expected commitment of approximately one day per week to support the provision of specialist play therapy services for children with visual impairments and their siblings. The role aims to promote emotional, social, and developmental wellbeing through child-centred, accessible, and evidence-informed therapeutic interventions.

Services to be Delivered

Therapeutic Practice

• Deliver individual and group play therapy interventions tailored to the developmental, emotional, sensory, and communication needs of children aged 4–12 years with visual impairments and their siblings.
• Design and implement therapeutic interventions that promote emotional expression, resilience, and coping strategies through accessible, sensory-based play.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to inform therapeutic goals and intervention planning.
• Work collaboratively with families, caregivers, schools, and referring professionals to ensure holistic and person-centred support.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date clinical records and prepare progress reports in line with organisational policies, professional standards, GDPR requirements, and child protection obligations.
• Create outreach and learning opportunities within local communities, promoting awareness of play therapy and supporting inclusive community play settings.
• Provide guidance and practical strategies to parents and caregivers to support children's emotional wellbeing and development.

Service Development

• Contribute to service development and support the establishment of best-practice standards for therapeutic work with children with visual impairments and additional needs.
• Provide professional consultation and guidance, where required.
• Routinely gather and evaluate feedback from children, families, and stakeholders to support continuous quality improvement.
• Develop and implement appropriate outcome and impact measurement tools to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness and inform service planning.
• Support the development of accessible therapeutic resources and approaches for children with visual impairments

Research, Quality and Professional Practice

• Contribute to programme evaluation, research initiatives, and evidence-informed practice within the fields of play therapy and disability services.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in play therapy, child development, sensory impairment, trauma-informed practice, and disability services.
• Ensure all practice aligns with professional ethical standards, organisational policies, and relevant legislation.
• Comply with ChildVision's Safeguarding Children Policy and Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
• Participate in clinical governance, risk management, quality assurance, and incident reporting processes.

Contractor Requirements

Essential

• Registered self-employed practitioner or operating through a registered company.
• Degree (NFQ Level 9) in Play Therapy, or equivalent recognised by IAPT, PTI, or IPTA.
• Current professional membership and/or accreditation with IAPT, PTI, or IPTA.
• Minimum of three years' post-qualification experience as a practising Play Therapist.
• Professional indemnity insurance as appropriate.
• Public liability insurance, where applicable.
• Compliance with GDPR and data protection obligations.
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality regarding all service users, families, organisational information, and records.
• Responsibility for all Tax, PRSI, USC, Revenue, pension, and other statutory obligations arising from self-employment.
• Ability to provide invoices for services rendered.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience supporting children with visual impairments.
• Experience working with children with additional sensory, developmental, physical, or complex needs.
• Additional training and/or experience in:
• Sensory integration.
• Developmental play.
• Accessible communication methods.
• Tactile and auditory-based therapeutic approaches.
• Neurodiversity-affirming practice.
• Knowledge of:
• Irish disability services.
• Children's Disability Network Teams (CDNTs).
• Child safeguarding legislation.
• Relevant national disability and children's policy frameworks in Ireland.
• Other Requirements
• Eligible to work in Ireland.
• Satisfactory Garda Vetting and reference checks.
• Available to attend an in-person interview.
• Full driving licence and access to own transport would be advantageous.

ChildVision is an equal opportunities organisation and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where all individuals are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.