Play Therapist

Play TherapistRECRUITMENT PACKPage of Contents123479CEO WelcomePerson SpecificationOur ValuesJob DescriptionJob Advertisement How to Apply10Reward & RecognitionWelcomeWelcome to The Wish Centre!As the CEO of The Wish Centre, I am delighted to extend a warmwelcome to all candidates interested in joining our team as the PlayTherapist.Are you passionate about supporting children to heal and recover fromthe impact of domestic abuse? Do you have the skills to provide trauma-informed, child-centred therapeutic support that helps children feel safe,understood and empowered? If so, we would love to hear from you.The Wish Centre is seeking a compassionate and skilled Play Therapistto join our dedicated refuge team. This is a vital role supporting childrenand young people who have experienced domestic abuse, providingtherapeutic play sessions, emotional support and a safe space to processtheir experiences. You will play a key part in helping children rebuild theirsense of safety, develop resilience and begin to thrive.If you need help with any aspect of the process, please contact our Headof People & Culture: stephanie.sayers@thewishcentre.org.  I look forward to welcoming a dedicated and talented Head of Financeand Resources to The Wish Centre family.Best regards,Shigufta KhanCEO, The Wish Centre1Our ValuesAt The Wish Centre, our values shape who we are, how we work and the people we recruit.Our VisionA world free from domestic abuse.Our MissionTo raise awareness, educate communities and empower individuals to live free from domesticabuse through support, safe accommodation, behaviour change programmes and training.We are a values-led organisation and look for people who consistently demonstrate our values intheir behaviour, decisions and relationships.Our Values: H.E.R.EHolisticWe work with the whole person and family, recognising the lasting impact of domestic abuse. This means working with compassion, using trauma-informed approaches, collaborating withothers and supporting wellbeing.EducationWe believe education creates change.This means being open to learning, challenging stigma and sharing knowledge to improve practice.RespectRespect underpins everything we do.This means being inclusive and non-judgemental, valuing lived experience and communicatingethically.EmpowerWe support people to make informed choices and regain control.This means working alongside people, focusing on strengths and encouraging independence.What This Means for YouWorking at The Wish Centre is challenging and rewarding. We are looking for compassionate,reflective people who are committed to our H.E.R.E values. If this sounds like you, we wouldwelcome your application.22Job AdvertisementPlay TherapistHours of work: 20 hours per weekReports to: Refuge ManagerLine management responsibility: No Salary: £15,600 - £16,640 per annum (dependent on experience) Contract: Fixed term for 12 monthsLocation: The Wish Centre, Unit 21, Business Development Centre, Eanam Old Rd, Blackburn BB1 5BLAbout UsThe Wish Centre has supported people affected by domestic abuse for over 35 years, delivering specialistservices including IDVA support, refuge accommodation, counselling and children and young people’sservices.About the RoleWe are looking for a compassionate and skilled Play Therapist to support children living in refuge who haveexperienced domestic abuse.In this role, you will provide therapeutic support through play-based approaches, helping children processtrauma, build resilience, and feel safe. You will carry out assessments, plan and deliver sessions, and workclosely with families, colleagues, and partner agencies to support each child’s development and wellbeing.About YouYou will hold (or be working towards) a recognised Play Therapy qualification and have experiencesupporting children through therapeutic interventions. You will have a strong understanding of trauma,attachment, and safeguarding, and be able to build trusting relationships with children in a sensitive andsupportive way.We are particularly interested in candidates who share our values and are committed to making ameaningful difference in the lives of children and families.Why Join Us?This is a rewarding opportunity to be part of a supportive, values-driven organisation where your work willhave a real impact. You will benefit from clinical supervision, opportunities for development, and the chanceto shape support for children in refuge.Equity, Diversity & InclusionWe welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly value lived experience. Any informationshared will be treated in confidence.Occupational RequirementThis post is open to female applicants only, in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010,as being female is considered a Genuine Occupational Requirement for this role.The Wish Centre delivers specialist domestic abuse services to women who have experienced male violenceand abuse. Due to the nature of the role, including providing trauma-informed support, working with highlysensitive disclosures, and upholding service users’ privacy, dignity and safety, we have determined that thisrequirement is proportionate and lawful.Closing Date: 2nd April 2026To read more about the specific duties of the role, please see the full Job Description on the next page!3Job DescriptionWho Are We?We support victims of domestic abuse and are unique in delivering our perpetrator educationsupport programme. For 35 years we have been at the forefront of developing and deliveringspecialist services to individuals and families. Our services include a helpline, advice and IDVAservice, refuge accommodation, counselling programmes for victims, schools-basedprogrammes; behaviour change programmes, counselling services, access to free legal support,volunteering opportunities and peer support groups.We are looking for someone who canembrace and extend our support through enthusiasm, passion and drive.Creating Safe, Inclusive Opportunities for AllAt The Wish Centre, we are proud to be a Trauma-Informed Organisation, which means weapproach every aspect of our work—including recruitment—with an understanding of the impactof trauma and a commitment to creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments. Thisapproach shapes how we engage with applicants, ensuring sensitivity, respect, and fairnessthroughout the process.Our values of H.E.R.E—Holistic, Educate, Respect, Empower—guide everything we do. We striveto recruit individuals who share these values and are passionate about supporting thecommunities we serve.We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from people ofall backgrounds. We particularly value lived experience, and encourage individuals with personalor indirect experience of domestic abuse to join us as trustees, staff, or volunteers. If you chooseto share this information during recruitment, it will be treated with the utmost confidentiality andonly disclosed to the interview panel or HR as necessary.Purpose of the RoleThe Play Therapist will provide trauma-informed therapeutic support to children living in TheWish Centre’s refuge who have experienced domestic abuse. Working within recognised playtherapy frameworks, the postholder will help children process experiences, build emotionalresilience, and support healthy development in a safe, nurturing environment.45Key Responsibilities1.Deliver individual and group play therapy sessions within refuge settings2.Complete initial and ongoing assessments and care plans3.Support children affected by trauma, domestic abuse, attachment disruption anddisplacement4.Maintain accurate, confidential clinical records and outcome data5.Work collaboratively with refuge staff, parents/carers and multi-agency professionals6.Contribute to safeguarding processes and child protection plans7.Ensure compliance with BAPT / PTUK ethical standards, GDPR and organisationalpolicies8.Attend clinical supervision and engage in reflective practice9.Participate in CPD and service development activitiesPerson SpecificationQualifications & ExperienceEssentialRecognised Play Therapy qualification (BAPT / PTUK accredited or working towards)(Assessed via Application)Eligibility for professional registration (Assessed via Application)DesirableAdditional training in trauma-informed or attachment-based practice (Assessed viaApplication)ExperienceEssentialDelivering therapeutic interventions with children (Assessed via Application /Interview)Working within safeguarding and child protection frameworks (Assessed viaApplication / Interview)Experience of multi-agency working (Assessed via Application / Interview)DesirableExperience working in refuge, domestic abuse, SEN or early years settings (Assessedvia Application)Experience supporting children impacted by trauma or attachment difficulties(Assessed via Application / Interview)7Skills, Knowledge & AbilitiesEssentialStrong understanding of child development, attachment and trauma (Assessed viaInterview / Task)Ability to build safe, trusting therapeutic relationships with children (Assessed viaInterview / Task)Skilled in play-based therapeutic interventions (Assessed via Interview / Task)Ability to maintain accurate clinical records and reports (Assessed via Application /Interview)Sound understanding of UK safeguarding, confidentiality and GDPR (Assessed viaInterview)Personal QualitiesEssentialCommitment to The Wish Centre’s values of Holistic, Educate, Respect and Empower(Assessed via Interview)High levels of integrity, professionalism and ethical practice (Assessed via Interview)Resilient, adaptable and flexible in response to organisational needs (Assessed viaInterview)Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding (Assessed via InterHow to ApplyThis post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check at a Enhanced level. The Wish Centre is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects ofour work. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Should you require the application in an alternative format than the link above, please emailstephanie.sayers@thewishcentre.org To apply, please complete our online application via the following link Application for Play TherapistThe closing date for the position is 2nd April 20269Staff Reward & RecognitionAt The Wish Centre, we value our people and recognise the important and often challengingwork they do. Our Reward & Recognition offer has been designed to be flexible, fair, and toplace staff wellbeing at the forefront, ensuring support reflects individual needs.Westfield Health – Wellbeing and Savings:Westfield Health Cash Plan helps cover everyday healthcare costs, including dental, opticaland therapies, with cash back up to set limits24/7 GP access and a confidential Advice & Information Line for medical, legal and financialwellbeing supportDependent children covered on key benefits at no extra costWestfield Rewards gives access to discounts, cashback and vouchers with hundreds of high-street and online retailersSavings available on shopping, groceries, lifestyle and leisure purchasesEasy access via an online portal and mobile appAll staff have access to Westfield Health from day 1, our online reward, recognition andwellbeing app.Flexible Wellbeing ChoiceAlongside Westfield Health, each staff member can choose one additional wellbeing benefiteach year, following their probationary period, allowing them to select what best supports theirwellbeing.Options include:An extra Wellbeing DayA mental wellbeing app subscriptionA wellbeing allowance for approved wellbeing activities or productsA wellbeing hamperA Supportive, Values-Led CultureOur Reward & Recognition approach reflects our commitment to staff wellbeing, flexibility andrecognition. By investing in our people, we aim to ensure everyone feels valued, supported andempowered to do their best work.10