Wellbeing Practitioner - Play Therapist - #1714427

Family Wellbeing Service

Wellbeing Practitioner - Play Therapist

We are seeking a qualified and experienced Play Therapist to join our team. The position is part-time, 22.2 hours per week. This role offers a unique opportunity for a highly motivated individual to contribute to the development and delivery of a specialist wellbeing service aligned with the strategic vision for families in Cardiff. Barnardo's is committed to becoming a trauma-responsive organization, and these principles underpin all our services.

The Family Wellbeing Service (FWBS), funded by the Welsh Government and operating within the Families First strategy, is part of the 'Early Help' offer in Cardiff. You will join a team providing therapeutic support to parents/carers, children, and young people with identified needs related to their emotional and mental health and wellbeing. The service aims to improve emotional health, resilience, and wellbeing, and to support families in developing effective coping strategies to manage challenges.

We provide targeted, evidence-based interventions for families and individuals requiring significant support for their emotional and mental health. The FWBS includes:

• Access to counselling for parents/carers with low-level mental health needs.


• Access to one-to-one support, therapy, Play/Art/Drama therapy, or counselling for children and young people.


• Interventions addressing whole-family functioning, including support for those affected by bereavement, trauma, loss, or family breakdown.

As a Wellbeing Practitioner - Play Therapist, you will conduct assessments and deliver professional play therapy services to children and young people, either individually or in groups. You will practice ethically, adhering to your regulatory body's Code of Ethics and Barnardo's policies. Additionally, you will contribute to the Family Wellbeing Service through consultation, information sharing, and support.

• A professional qualification in Play Therapy.


• Registration with a relevant professional body, BAPT accreditation, and registration or UKCP equivalent.


• Experience in planning and delivering complex clinical interventions and evaluating their effectiveness.


• Knowledge of safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.


• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team.


• Experience conducting assessments, including risk assessments.


• Ability to collaborate effectively with various agencies.


• Experience advising and developing pathways for sustainable, long-term improvements.

The official job title for this role within Barnardo's is Project Worker 2, which will appear on the job description.

Barnardo's promotes equality of opportunity and supports work-life balance through flexible working arrangements.

Please include detailed information in your application demonstrating how you meet the requirements outlined above, drawing from employment, education, training, volunteering, or other experiences.

For additional details, contact Hayley Smith at 029 2057 7074.

This position is initially funded until 31.03.26. If funding is not extended, you may be subject to redundancy or TUPE transfer. The contract is due to expire on 31.03.26.

Due to high application volumes, the closing date may be earlier than advertised. We recommend applying promptly.