997 Play Therapist jobs in the United Kingdom

Become a Step Forward Foster Carer – A Life-Changing Opportunity for Art Therapists and Play Therapists
Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council

Please note: This role requires you to be self-Employed

Are you an Art Therapist or Play Therapist who is passionate about supporting young people through creative and therapeutic interventions? You already have the empathy, dedication, and commitment needed to make a profound difference in a young person’s life.

We are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, nurturing home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is a unique opportunity to take the therapeutic skills you’ve developed and make a lasting, personal impact.
This could be your most rewarding role yet — offering not just care, but a future full of hope.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that helps young people who have faced trauma, loss, and instability transition from residential care into a caring family environment.
These young people aren’t just looking for a place to stay — they need someone like you: a supportive adult who understands their needs, builds trust, and provides the consistency they’ve often lacked.
As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you’ll be part of a supportive team, working alongside professionals who are there to guide you every step of the way. You’ll never be alone on this journey.

What You’ll Receive:

We understand that caring for a young person with complex needs is a significant commitment. That’s why we provide comprehensive support — both emotionally and financially.

Specialist Support:

• Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular guidance and supervision
• A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and your foster child
• A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks every year
• 24/7 Out-of-Hours Support, ensuring you’re never alone
• Access to a network of other Step Forward Carers for peer support
• Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and understanding neurodevelopmental needs
• Therapeutic and psychological support to build on your existing skills

Financial Package:
We recognise the commitment it takes to support a young person with complex needs and offer a generous financial package to help you focus fully on providing stability and care.

• £1,052 per week while you have a child placed with you (around £4,704 a year )
• 08 per week retainer between placements (up to 1,216 a year )
• Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
• Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers

Is This You?

We are looking for Art Therapists and Play Therapists who are:

• Passionate about making a difference beyond their current role
• Skilled in building positive, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Resilient, empathetic, and committed to providing stability
• Ready to transfer their therapeutic skills to a family-based setting

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

Please note: Ideally, applicants should not have children under 16 living at home, but we consider each family situation individually.

To Be Eligible, You’ll Need:

• Experience working with children, young people, or families in a therapeutic capacity
• Full-time availability and a spare bedroom
• A willingness to complete our professional training
• The right to work in the UK

Take the next step in your career and become a Step Forward Foster Carer. Your experience as an Art Therapist or Play Therapist could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role.

Become a Step Forward Foster Carer – A Life-Changing Opportunity for Art Therapists and Play Therapists
Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council

Please note: This role requires you to be self-Employed

Are you an Art Therapist or Play Therapist who is passionate about supporting young people through creative and therapeutic interventions? You already have the empathy, dedication, and commitment needed to make a profound difference in a young person’s life.

We are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, nurturing home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is a unique opportunity to take the therapeutic skills you’ve developed and make a lasting, personal impact.
This could be your most rewarding role yet — offering not just care, but a future full of hope.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that helps young people who have faced trauma, loss, and instability transition from residential care into a caring family environment.
These young people aren’t just looking for a place to stay — they need someone like you: a supportive adult who understands their needs, builds trust, and provides the consistency they’ve often lacked.
As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you’ll be part of a supportive team, working alongside professionals who are there to guide you every step of the way. You’ll never be alone on this journey.

What You’ll Receive:

We understand that caring for a young person with complex needs is a significant commitment. That’s why we provide comprehensive support — both emotionally and financially.

Specialist Support:

• Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular guidance and supervision
• A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and your foster child
• A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks every year
• 24/7 Out-of-Hours Support, ensuring you’re never alone
• Access to a network of other Step Forward Carers for peer support
• Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and understanding neurodevelopmental needs
• Therapeutic and psychological support to build on your existing skills

Financial Package:
We recognise the commitment it takes to support a young person with complex needs and offer a generous financial package to help you focus fully on providing stability and care.

• £1,052 per week while you have a child placed with you (around £4,704 a year )
• 08 per week retainer between placements (up to 1,216 a year )
• Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
• Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers

Is This You?

We are looking for Art Therapists and Play Therapists who are:

• Passionate about making a difference beyond their current role
• Skilled in building positive, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Resilient, empathetic, and committed to providing stability
• Ready to transfer their therapeutic skills to a family-based setting

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

Please note: Ideally, applicants should not have children under 16 living at home, but we consider each family situation individually.

To Be Eligible, You’ll Need:

• Experience working with children, young people, or families in a therapeutic capacity
• Full-time availability and a spare bedroom
• A willingness to complete our professional training
• The right to work in the UK

Take the next step in your career and become a Step Forward Foster Carer. Your experience as an Art Therapist or Play Therapist could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role.

Mental Health Assistant - Oxford
85 - 100 per day
Monday to Friday | 8:30am - 3:00pm
Start: ASAP

Are you passionate about mental health or education? Are you looking for hands-on experience working with children who need emotional and behavioural support?

A fantastic opportunity has opened up for a Mental Health Assistant to join a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) school located in Oxford. This full-time position is ideal for individuals aiming for a career in psychology, counselling, social work, or special education.

As a Mental Health Assistant, you'll play a key role in supporting students with complex emotional needs. You'll work closely with children affected by trauma, anxiety, and behavioural challenges-helping them build confidence, learn coping strategies, and make progress both academically and personally.

Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions for pupils with SEMH needs
Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies
Foster a trusting, consistent, and nurturing environment
Contribute to a structured and calm classroom atmosphere

Being a Mental Health Assistant is both challenging and rewarding-it demands patience, empathy, and resilience. You'll be making a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable young people, helping them overcome obstacles and thrive.

Keen interest in mental health, SEN, or child development
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Open to learning and adapting in a dynamic school environment

This Mental Health Assistant role offers invaluable experience for those considering future training in educational psychology, therapy, or teaching. If you're ready to start a career where every day brings a chance to change a life, don't miss this chance to become a Mental Health Assistant in a supportive and committed school community.

Apply today and start making a difference.

• Excellent salary of up to 48,048 p/a DOE
• Paid breaks
• Financial support for further training courses
• Tailored clinical induction
• Excellent routes for progression into management roles
• Salary sacrifice scheme

• Assess and develop person-centred care plans
• Liaise with GPs and other health professionals to ensure that residents receive the medical and clinical support they require
• Provide therapeutic interventions and effectively manage crises
• Build good relationships with residents and their families

• Excellent salary of up to 48,048 p/a DOE
• Paid breaks
• Financial support for further training courses
• Tailored clinical induction
• Excellent routes for progression into management roles
• Salary sacrifice scheme

• Assess and develop person-centred care plans
• Liaise with GPs and other health professionals to ensure that residents receive the medical and clinical support they require
• Provide therapeutic interventions and effectively manage crises
• Build good relationships with residents and their families

• Excellent salary of up to 48,048 p/a DOE
• Paid breaks
• Financial support for further training courses
• Tailored clinical induction
• Excellent routes for progression into management roles
• Salary sacrifice scheme

• Assess and develop person-centred care plans
• Liaise with GPs and other health professionals to ensure that residents receive the medical and clinical support they require
• Provide therapeutic interventions and effectively manage crises
• Build good relationships with residents and their families

Due to growth, we are seeking a skilled and experienced Mental Health Solicitor to join our client's longstanding and successful law firm. Our client specialises in ensuring mental health patients and their families and carers are given the care and treatment they deserve.

You would be joining a friendly and supportive team as a panel member in the mental health department. As a panel member, you will be responsible for managing a caseload of mental health files, representing clients in Tribunal and Hospital Manager's hearings, and attending CPA and s117 meetings.

We seek someone who has a keen commitment to representation of vulnerable individuals, has excellent communications skills, is adaptable and has an enthusiasm to help grow and develop a thriving and fast paced department. Experience of managing your own case load is required.

We have a strong team working ethos and you will receive support from a confident and knowledgeable administration team including secretarial, paralegal and billing support.

Your role:

• Managing a caseload of mental health files, ensuring timely and effective representation of clients
• Represent clients in Tribunal and Hospital Manager's hearings, advocating for their rights and interests
• Attend CPA and s117 meetings, working collaboratively with other professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients
• Meet fee-earning targets and maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) compliance

The person:

• Panel Accredited is essential, so the candidate must hold a current Practicing Certificate and be a member of the Law Society Mental Health Accreditation scheme
• Driving licence is also essential
• Knowledge and experience of legal aid regulations
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and other professionals
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality client service
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a caseload effectively
• Able to generate business for the department
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in the field of mental health

Benefits

• Annual bonuses
• Parking
• Career opportunities

Salary negotiable and will be based on experience and PQE.

Please apply or call Sharon Tanner on (phone number removed) if you would like further information

Mental Health Assistant
Location: Didcot, Oxfordshire
Salary: 89 - 100 per day
Contract Type: Full-time, Term Time Only
Start Date: ASAP

A welcoming Primary School in Didcot is seeking a Mental Health Assistant to join their team immediately. This is an excellent opportunity for psychology graduates, aspiring teachers, or anyone interested in mental health and education.

Role highlights:

• Support children with SEN and SEMH needs in a mainstream classroom.
• Provide 1:1 and small group support, promoting confidence and resilience.
• Help implement behaviour strategies and create a positive learning environment.

What we're looking for:

• Psychology (or related) degree, or strong interest in mental health/education.
• Experience with children or additional needs (desirable, not essential).
• Patience, empathy, and excellent communication skills.

If you want to make a real impact on children's wellbeing and development, please upload your CV to apply.

Mental Health Assistant - Didcot - ASAP Start

Academics LTD is a leading educational recruitment agency. Delivering continuity in the classroom.

Job Opportunity: Mental Health and Wellbeing Lecturer
Location: Great Barr, Birmingham
Contract: Part-time (2 Days - Monday and Tuesday)

A special needs post-16 college based in Great Barr, is seeking an experienced and passionate Mental Health and Wellbeing Lecturer to join their dedicated team. This college supports young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), providing a nurturing environment focused on personal development, independence, and emotional resilience.

As a Mental Health and Wellbeing Lecturer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering tailored, accessible lessons that enhance students' understanding of mental health, promote emotional wellbeing, and equip them with practical coping strategies. Your expertise will directly support the college's mission to empower learners and improve their quality of life.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver engaging mental health and wellbeing sessions tailored to the needs of SEND students aged 16 and above.
• Create individualised learning plans that address diverse abilities and needs.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including therapists and support staff, to provide holistic support.
• Monitor student progress and adapt teaching approaches accordingly.
• Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment that encourages student confidence and growth.

Ideal Candidate:

• Holds a relevant qualification in Mental Health, Psychology, Education, or related discipline.
• Demonstrates experience working with young people with SEND, preferably post-16.
• Has a solid understanding of mental health issues and wellbeing strategies for SEND learners.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage and motivate students.
• Compassionate, patient, and adaptable teaching style.

Why Apply:

• Work within a supportive, collaborative setting focused on making a real difference.
• Access to professional development and career progression.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

If you are passionate about supporting young people with special needs and have the skills to deliver impactful mental health education, please send call Academics Birmingham or send your CV directly to us ASAP!