Play Therapist
- Responsible for minimising stress and trauma associated with hospitalisation for children.
- Plan and implement play therapy programs tailored to individual needs.
- Collaborate with medical and allied health teams to support children's hospital experience.
Play Therapist
Job no: ******
Work type: Full time
Location: Adelaide CBD
Categories: Administration, Business and Management
- Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Allied Health and Aboriginal Liaison, North Adelaide 5006
- Salary – OPS2 - Operational Services Officer L2, $66,441 to $69,504 + 12% Superannuation and Salary Sacrifice Benefits
- Full Time, Fixed term (Temporary) contract until 28 May 2027
About WCHN
Join the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN), South Australia’s leading provider of care for women, babies, children and young people. We’re shaping the future of healthcare through compassion, innovation and excellence — with our communities at the heart of everything we do.
What WCHN Can Offer You
- Access to salary packaging benefits of up to $9,010 each FBT year for living expenses (e.g. mortgage, rent, utilities, groceries), plus an additional $2,650 each FBT year for meal entertainment expenses.
- Access to Fitness Passport (workplace health and fitness program that gives you and your family access to a wide choice of gyms and pools across South Australia.)
- Free public transport to and from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital for SA Health metropolitan hospital staff (excludes network community sites).
- Support for you and your family via our Employee Assistance Program.
- Relocation financial support may be negotiated, subject to eligibility. Click here for details and contact the enquires person for further information.
About the role
The Play Therapist is responsible for minimising the stress and trauma associated with hospitalisation by providing developmentally appropriate, therapeutic and enjoyable activities for children. In consultation with the Coordinator, Play Therapy, and the medical, nursing and allied health teams, the Play Therapist delivers stimulating activity programs that support children to enjoy, express themselves and cope with their hospital experience. The role requires a sound understanding of child development and an active commitment to advocating for the importance and benefits of play therapy.
Key duties of the role
- Planning and implementation of play therapy programs for individual children and for groups, taking into account their illness, age and abilities
- Ensuring that play therapy programs are flexible and adaptable to accommodate children’s medical and nursing care
- Encourage and foster a positive culture and safe work environment
- Developing and implementing relevant play therapy teaching and/or education sessions
- Participate in quality management, quality assurance and risk management activities and ongoing improvement of services
Skills and Experience
- Demonstrated experience working with children and adolescents in a healthcare, community or educational setting.
- Experience in developing appropriate structured programmes to meet the individual cultural, emotional, intellectual and physical needs of children and adolescents.
- Ability to identify the needs of children and their families.
- Well-developed interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently and creatively.
Enquiries can be directed to
Marisa Salvati
Play Therapy Coordinator
*********
************************
Want to learn more about career opportunities at WCHN? Click Here to discover how you can Realise Your Potential and join one of our many teams making a positive difference in the community.
Stay connected with us! Follow WCHN on LinkedIn to keep up to date with new job opportunities and the latest news from across our network — Click Here to join the conversation
To learn more about this role — including key selection criteria, special conditions and minimum requirements — please refer to the attached role description and the document checklists below:
- OPS2 - Play Therapist - AHAL - Role Description - ******.pdf
- Immunisation Requirements Checklist
- Applicant Documents Checklist
If you would like further information on applying and winning this role, go to our SA Health Careers Site for the Australian Applicant Guide or if you are an international applicant, check out the International Application Guide.
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.
Application Closing Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026 11:55PM
Advertised: 08 Sep 2026 Cen. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 22 Sep 2026 Cen. Australia Standard Time
Back Apply now Refer a friend
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App
We vet all employer accounts and do our best to keep job ads safe, but scams can still occur. Be cautious when sharing personal information — never provide financial details or make payments during the application process. For extra security, use the Apply button on our site when proceeding.