161-26-4 Registered Social Worker – Play Therapy Counsellor

Six Nations•Ohsweken, ON

11d•CA$70,400 - CA$88,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Registered Social Worker – Play Therapy provides developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed play therapy services to children, youth, and their families within the Child and Youth Health Services team. The position emphasizes therapeutic play as the primary modality of treatment, utilizing clearly defined play therapy models, expressive techniques, and child-centred clinical processes. Services are delivered in alignment with accredited play therapy principles, including therapeutic limit-setting, attunement, symbolic communication, and the therapeutic powers of play. Practice is grounded in culturally safe, trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and strengths-based approaches that support children’s emotional expression, regulation, resilience, and healing.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Social Work, RSW from an accredited Social Work Program OR Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, RSW from an accredited Social Work Program plus 3-5 years of counselling experience
Registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Demonstrated training and clinical experience in play therapy and/or play‑based, expressive therapeutic approaches
Knowledge of child development, attachment theory, trauma‑informed care, and family systems
Demonstrated knowledge and experience working clinically with children, youth, and families
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Knowledge of confidentiality requirements under PHIPA
Knowledge of relevant consent, capacity, and mental health legislation
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic medical record systems
Valid Class “G” driver’s licence and reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

Familiar with the Six Nations Community and highly sensitive to Six Nations Culture
Exhibits a high degree of initiative and self-direction
Ability to work with tact and discretion; high level of public relation skills and good project management skills.
CPR and First Aid certification preferred
Highly motivated, able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Good clinical experience working with CBT.
Asset with member of good standing with OPA (Ontario Psychiatry Association)

Responsibilities

Provides play therapy and expressive therapy interventions for children and youth experiencing concerns such as trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, attachment disruptions, and family change
Delivers child centred, directive, and non‑directive play therapy, utilizing developmentally appropriate and evidence‑informed approaches
Conducts comprehensive assessments using play‑based, expressive, and verbal methods appropriate to the child’s developmental level
Works alongside parents, caregivers, and families to provide counselling support, education, and strategies that strengthen caregiver capacity and support therapeutic goals
Creates, implements, and documents individualized treatment plans using culturally safe, trauma‑informed, and attachment‑focused practice principles throughout care
Delivers individual, family, and group counselling sessions with a primary emphasis on play‑based and expressive modalities
Facilitates parent and caregiver support programs focused on child development, emotional regulation, and relational wellbeing
Delivers land‑based youth and family programs that support emotional, cultural, and community connection
Implements the Haudenosaunee Wellness Model, using culture as the foundation of services and programs provided
Provides crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, and safety planning using developmentally appropriate approaches
Provides systems navigation and advocacy in collaboration with case managers and interdisciplinary team members
Participates in accreditation and quality improvement activities as required
Employs excellent communication skills when interacting with children, youth, families, caregivers, staff, and external agencies
Provides appropriate advocacy for clients and families when necessary
Attends case conferences, clinical rounds, and team meetings, providing input from a play therapy and child development perspective
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, case managers, clinical leads, and related staff
Works effectively as a member of the Child & Youth Health Services team
Ensures privacy and confidentiality are maintained in accordance with relevant legislation and organizational policies
Maintains accurate and timely client records in accordance with organizational policies, Electronic Medical Record (EMR) requirements, and professional standards
Maintains documentation consistent with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers standards
Completes administrative tasks, reports, and data collection as required by the Child & Youth Health Team Manager
Reviews work plans and prepares monthly, quarterly, and other reports as required
Participates in ongoing training and professional development related to play therapy, child mental health, and scope of practice
Performs other job related duties as may reasonably be required by the Child & Youth Health Team Manager
Provides supervision of students and volunteers
Follows established Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers guidelines for the supervision of students
Provides direct on-site supervision of the student/volunteer as stipulated in the supervision guidelines
Obtain appropriate consent before allowing a student/volunteer to participate in treatment for an individual
Provides support to the Six Nations Emergency Measures Plan by ensuring awareness of the Emergency Measures Plan and assistance as instructed by the Director of Health Services
It is the responsibility of the employee to be aware of and adhere to all policies and procedures, including those that relate to client safety, staff safety and risk management