Play Therapist

Rockingham, Perth and Mandurah, WA
Full-time, part-time or subcontractor opportunities

About us

Bridge to Understanding is an established NDIS-registered provider expanding from Tasmania into Western Australia. We are seeking Play Therapists to help establish our services across Rockingham, Perth and Mandurah.

Our approach is neuro-affirming, child-led and trauma-informed. We value trusting relationships and support that respects each child’s communication, interests, developmental needs and individual way of experiencing the world.

About the role

You will use play therapy to support children’s emotional wellbeing, expression, relationships and participation in everyday life.

You will create a welcoming therapeutic environment where children can explore experiences, express feelings and develop skills at their own pace. Working closely with parents and carers, you will help strengthen understanding of each child’s needs and identify practical ways to support them between sessions.

Your caseload will be shaped around your qualifications, experience, clinical interests and preferred locations. Services may include clinic appointments and visits to homes, education settings or the community, where appropriate.

As an early member of our WA team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of our local play therapy service.

Key responsibilities

- Assess each child’s strengths, interests, developmental needs and therapeutic goals.
- Plan and deliver play therapy within your qualifications, training and scope of practice.
- Use developmentally appropriate approaches to support emotional expression, regulation, connection and confidence.




- Follow each child’s communication and play cues, respecting their choices, boundaries and readiness to engage.
- Adapt sessions to accommodate sensory preferences, communication differences and disability-related needs.
- Work collaboratively with parents and carers, including providing practical guidance and reviewing progress.
- Recognise distress and respond with calm, supportive and developmentally appropriate strategies.
- Collaborate with occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, behaviour support practitioners and educators.
- Maintain clear session notes, therapy plans and progress reports.
- Manage appointments, reporting deadlines and participant funding responsibly.
- Identify and respond to child safety and safeguarding concerns.
- Participate in clinical supervision, reflective practice and professional development.

About you

You are a warm, thoughtful practitioner who enjoys connecting with children through play. You understand the importance of patience, predictability and relationships, and you can recognise progress beyond spoken words or completed activities.

You will bring:

- Relevant tertiary qualifications in a field such as counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work or a related discipline, together with recognised postgraduate training in play therapy.




- Registration or eligibility for registration with a relevant professional association, appropriate to your qualifications and therapeutic approach.
- Experience providing therapeutic support to children and working collaboratively with families.
- A sound understanding of child development, attachment and trauma-informed practice.
- A neuro-affirming approach that respects different ways of playing, communicating and connecting.
- Solid observation, communication and documentation skills.
- The ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
- Relevant worker screening and Working with Children clearance.
- A current driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle if undertaking community appointments.

Experience supporting autistic children, children with developmental differences or children with complex support needs would be highly regarded. Please describe your play therapy training, approach and supervision arrangements in your application.

Working with BTU

This is an opportunity to help build our play therapy services across Rockingham, Perth and Mandurah, with an established organisation behind you. You will work alongside our directors and broader team, with opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.

Hours, employment arrangements, remuneration, caseload, service locations and clinical supervision requirements will be discussed during recruitment.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a brief introduction outlining your qualifications, play therapy experience, preferred working arrangements and preferred locations.

Pay: $90.00 – $120.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

📌 Play Therapist (Perth)
🏢 Bridge to Understanding
📍 Perth