• Are you a skilled Play Therapist who is passionate about working with children and young people?
• Would you like to join a strong, supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary Child Health team?
• Are you looking for a balanced and varied caseload with mixed funding?

We are excited to share a fabulous opportunity for a Mental Health Professional – Play Therapist to join our dedicated and professional Child Health and Development team.

About us

Bellarine Community Health (BCH) is the major provider of primary health care services to the Bellarine Peninsula. BCH is a not-for-profit health care provider with close links to our community operating from five sites across the Bellarine.

About the team

The Child Health and Development team provide a multidisciplinary allied health service for children and young people primarily aged 0-12 years. It is comprised of a dynamic, collaborative and friendly team of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, a play therapist, and a child and family engagement practitioner. 

About the role

Working within the Child Youth and Families directorate, the Mental Health Professional – Play Therapist will provide an efficient, high-quality service to children from across the Bellarine region. By supporting children’s psychosocial, emotional, and mental health and wellbeing through the therapeutic powers of play, services are provided using an early intervention approach working with children and young people presenting with developmental delays or with diagnosed disabilities.

As a member of a dynamic multi-disciplinary team, this role works closely with team members from the Child Health and Development team to promote an integrated and holistic service, including:

• Providing high-standard, evidence based, best practice play therapy service.
• Delivering a range of psychotherapy or child counselling supports to an individual or group within clinical, home, educational or community settings.
• Establishing a therapeutically safe relationship for the child to fully express and explore self through play and psychosocial child counselling.
• Assisting in reviewing of play therapy model of care, resources and service parameters.
• Working autonomously and with the team managing a mixed caseload of clients under mixed funding streams.

To be successful you will require:

• Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Occupational Therapy or Social Work, with registration with the relevant Association – ie, AHPRA, AASW, APPTA, APTA.
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of Play Therapy and its application in high prevalence mental health issues in childhood.
• Sound knowledge of childhood developmental principles and milestones..
• Demonstrated ability to practice in a collaborative, strength based, family and child centred model.
• High level and effective interpersonal skills, including teamwork, leadership, and communication.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, efficient and flexible work practices including the ability to manage a busy caseload, meet deadlines, prioritise, and respond to change.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development by maintaining, applying, and sharing clinical knowledge.

What we offer

To support you to balance your work/life commitments, grow your skills and expertise, enjoy work and feel valued we offer the following:

• Salary in line with professional award
• Generous salary packaging benefits – you can access some of your annual salary tax free each year:
• Monthly accrued days off (ADO) for full time staff
• Career advancement opportunities and frequent graded clinical supervision
• A supportive positive workplace culture within a team of collaborative professionals
• Flexible work environment with ability to work some hours from home
• Professional Indemnity Insurance covered
• Discounted gym membership at seven sites across the region
• Employee assistance program: up to 5 counselling sessions per year

Conditions of Employment

• National Police Check
• Working with Children Check
• Current Victorian Driver’s License
• NDIS Worker Screening check

How to Apply

To find out more about these opportunities, or to request a Position Description, please contact Gus Campbell, Child Health and Development Manager, by phone on 0407 851 895 or email [email protected].

Applications must include cover letter, response to key selection criteria, application form (via the BCH website), and resume in PDF format. The Position Description is available here: PD Mental Health Professional Play Therapist Nov 2023

Please email your CV to [email protected] indicating your interest and availability. Applications are being assessed as they are received!

Bellarine Community Heath embraces diversity and encourages applicants from different backgrounds to apply. BCH is a family friendly organisation with excellent salary packaging available.

Bellarine Community Health Ltd is committed to protect children and reduce any opportunities for abuse or harm to occur.

Bellarine Community Health acknowledges the Wathaurong people as the Traditional Custodians of the Wadawurrung land on which our sites are located and across which we provide services and programs for the diverse community. We are proud to be an inclusive workplace and welcome people from all cultures and backgrounds to our service.