Mental Health Professional

Are you an experienced Play Therapist and looking for a mixed caseload of NDIS and Community Health clients? Are you passionate about working with children and young people? Would you like to be supported by a committed team of multidisciplinary health and mental health professionals?

We are currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Professional – Play Therapist to join our Child Health and Development Service. This is a Part Time 12-month fixed term position; however, we would consider Full Time for the right candidate. This role is based primarily at our new Ocean Grove Kingston site. Recent or soon to graduate Play Therapists are encouraged to call to discuss your interest.

About the team

The Child Health and Development team provides multidisciplinary allied health services for children and young people primarily aged 0-12 years. It is comprised of a dynamic, collaborative, and friendly group of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, mental health professionals, and a physiotherapist. Children and families are supported by several other services within BCH including dental, nutrition and dietetics, podiatry, and mental health professionals / headspace.

The Mental Health Professional – Play Therapist will provide psychotherapeutic support to the children and young people involved with BCH services and its associated partners within a team setting. Primarily this will be delivered within the Child Health and Development service.

The Mental Health Professional – Play Therapist role includes:

• Delivering a high standard of evidence-based care, including appropriate clinical services across the mental health spectrum.
• Providing and monitoring thorough assessment, case formulation, service planning, service delivery, and episode of care reviews in response to the consumer's needs and goals.
• Managing and supporting an active caseload and supporting client flow using service planning strategies to support consumer's recovery and progression through services as well as service transition and exit.
• Working collaboratively and effectively with the greater multidisciplinary team to support consumers accessing services.

• Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Education, or Social Work with additional qualification or recognised training in Play Therapy (including those soon to graduate).
• Current registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), or relevant recognised Play Therapy Association i.e. APPTA, APTA (will consider those on pathway to registration).
• 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, including the impact of trauma on development.
• Demonstrated ability to practice in a collaborative, strength based, family and child centred model, with emphasis on parent education, and capacity building where applicable.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a diverse range of people, in particular the ability to engage with children or young people and to advocate on their behalf.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.

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

• Generous salary packaging benefits – you can access some of your annual salary tax free each year, hence you pay less tax each pay and take more pay home
• Discounted gym membership at seven sites across the region
• Professional Indemnity Insurance covered
• A supportive, positive and inclusive workplace culture, managerial and senior clinicians support, and training in the role
• Flexible work environment with ability to work some hours from home
• Career advancement opportunities and clinical supervision arrangements
• Generous leave entitlements including annual leave, parental leave, professional development
• Online induction and onsite orientation
• Opportunities for career development and supervision
• Employee Assistance Program

• National Police Check
• Working with Children Check
• Victorian Driver's Licence
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• 100 Point ID check

To find out more about this opportunity, please contact Gus Campbell, Child Health and Development Manager, by phone on 0407 851 895 or email gus.campbell@bch.org.au. The Position Description is available here: PD Mental Health Professional Child Therapist SEP 2025 or https://bch.org.au/jobs/mental-health-professional-play-therapist/

Applications must include cover letter, response to key selection criteria, application form, and resume in PDF format. Please submit your application to recruitment@bch.org.au – applications are being assessed as they are received, so submit your application today

Bellarine Community Health is an inclusive employer. We are a family friendly workplace and aim to create a work environment where all employees are respected, connected, and can contribute, regardless of age, culture, ability, family and caring responsibilities, gender or gender identity, Indigeneity, religion, or sexuality.

We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of diversity. Bellarine Community Health is committed to protect children and reduce any opportunities for abuse or harm to occur. Bellarine Community Health acknowledges the Wadawurrung People as the traditional custodians of the land, waters and skies of the Bellarine Peninsula. We acknowledge and respect Wadawurrung Elders and leaders, past, present and emerging and pay gratitude for their unique ability to care for Country and deep spiritual connection to it. We are proud to be an inclusive workplace and welcome people from all cultures and backgrounds to our service.