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

Child and Youth Health, Wellbeing

Full-Time Contract

Applications will be received by Six Nations of the Grand River and Grand River Employment & Training (GREAT) up until 4:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, September 2 2026, for the Social Worker – Play Therapy with Child and Youth Health, Wellbeing. The Six Nations of the Grand River Application for Employment Form, Job Posting and are available for printing from the www.greatsn.com (http://www.greatsn.com) website. Online applications accepted through My Job Search (https://recruiting.ultipro.ca/SIX5100SIXN/JobBoard/336dbed0-9af0-461e-8b6b-0978de5669d8/?q=&o;=postedDateDesc). NO LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED.

Applicants from Six Nations and other First Nations will be given preference to deliver programs and services in a First Nations community.

JOB SUMMARY: 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.

Type

Full Time Contract

Closing Date

September 2 2026

Hours of Work

35/week

Wage

Minimum $70,400/year A competitive compensation package will be offered commensurate with qualifications.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

- 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

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: (Choose one method ONLY):

Method #1: Online

- Please visit: My Job Search (https://recruiting.ultipro.ca/SIX5100SIXN/JobBoard/336dbed0-9af0-461e-8b6b-0978de5669d8/?q=&o;=postedDateDesc) to access our job board and follow the directions to apply.

- Please ensure all required documents are provided/uploaded with your application package, which include:
- Cover letter including your band name and number (if applicable). Please indicate in your letter how your education and experience qualifies you for this position.

- Recent resume clearly identifying that you meet the Basic Qualifications of this position as stipulated above.

- Copy of your education diploma/degree/certificate and transcript.

- If you have any questions or need assistance please reach out to Mary Ann Alldis, HR Business Partner at (phone hidden) ext. 5755 or via email at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Method #2: GREAT – Applications must include all of the following:

- Printed, filled in and authorized Six Nations of the Grand River Application for Employment Form.

- Cover letter including your band name and number (if applicable). Please indicate in your letter how your education and experience qualifies you for this position.

- Recent resume clearly identifying that you meet the Basic Qualifications of this position as stipulated above.

- Photocopy of your education diploma/degree/certificate and transcript.

- Place all documents listed above in a sealed envelope and mail to or drop off at:

Registered Social Worker Play Therapy – Full Time Contract – 161-26-4

c/o Reception Desk

Grand River Employment & Training (GREAT)

P.O. Box 69, 16 Sunrise Court

Ohsweken, Ontario N0A 1M0

POSITION DESCRIPTION – HEALTH SERVICES

POSITION TITLE: Registered Social Worker – Play Therapy Counsellor





REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Reports to and works under the direction and supervision of the Maternal Child and Youth Health Manager, Health Services, Six Nations Elected Council.

PURPOSE & SCOPE OF 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.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Technical Functions:

- 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

- Communications Functions:

- 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

- Administrative Functions:

- 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

- Other Functions:

- 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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

- Work has a high public profile, extensive public contact and is subject to deadlines and interruptions.
- Work may at times be subject to unscheduled hours and out of office sessions including home visits
- Provide Sensitivity to areas of cultural competence, relevancy and appropriateness to patients, knowledge of psycho-social issues related to the Six Nations Community and determinants of Health.
- Work may at times be subject to unscheduled hours, must be flexible with time.
- Work requires the ability to work independently and with competence in diverse areas; physical activity; mental stress; requires working inside and outside; in community homes; requires extensive interactions with the public of all ages, which at times may be hostile or irate; requires interruptions, deadlines, and unscheduled hours.
- Work requires the ability to prioritize tasks with in the child and youth social work service, work independently clinically with minimal functional supervision, and cope with many demands and time constraints.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

With the Maternal Child & Youth Health Manager

Receives direction, guidance, encouragement; discusses plans and priorities.

With the Child & Youth Health Clinical Lead

Receives guidance; discusses plans and priorities or interacts to ensure tasks are done efficiently and effectively.

With Other Staff

Promotes courtesy, co-operation and teamwork with all staff.

With External Agencies

Represents and promotes Six Nations interests relative to health services; maintains awareness of legislative policy and program changes; seeks to develop close working relationships.

With the Public

Represents and promotes the health services interests of Six Nations; works in a courteous, co-operative positive and proactive manner, provides information and advice.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Minimum 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

Other Related Skills:
- 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 positive standing with OPA (Ontario Psychiatry Association)

IMPACT OF ERROR:

Errors in judgement and in the conduct of duties could lead to loss credibility, poor public relation, confusion, duplication of effort and misinformation being given to the Director of Health Services, Human Services Committee, Six Nations Elected Council, Government Agencies and the public.

CONTROL:

Guiding principles set by Health Services Department and Six Nations Elected Council. Works within the administrative policies and procedures established by the Six Nations Elected Council for the Health Services Department and other legislation provided by the respective governments.

Director of

📌 161-26-4 Registered Social Worker – Play Therapy Counsellor (Ohsweken)
🏢 Six Nations Of The Grand River
📍 Ohsweken