School-Based Therapist (Part-Time/2 days a week Job

Springfield Convent School, a prestigious independent day school for girls located on Wynberg Hill in Cape Town, is currently looking for a part-time School-Based Therapist to join their Preschool team. This exciting role, working two days a week, offers an opportunity to significantly contribute to the emotional and social development of young girls aged 3-6, starting on 1 January 2026. If you have a passion for therapeutic approaches within a nurturing Catholic environment, you are invited to apply by the closing date of Monday 17 November 2025.

Detailed vacancy information

• School Name: Springfield Convent School
• Location: Wynberg Hill, Cape Town
• Position: School-Based Therapist (Part-Time, 2 days a week)
• Target Age Group: Girls aged 3-6 years in the Preschool
• Commencement Date: 1 January 2026
• Application Closing Date: Monday 17 November 2025
• School Ethos: Founded by Cabra Dominican Sisters in 1871, maintains a nurturing Catholic atmosphere and tradition, educating children of all faiths while upholding Dominican values.
• Role Overview: Joining a multidisciplinary team to support emotional and social development through play-based and therapeutic approaches, with strong collaboration with teachers and parents.
• Key Responsibilities: Providing individual and group play therapy; facilitating small group and class interventions for emotional regulation, social skills, and resilience; offering psycho-educational support to parents and caregivers; collaborating closely with teachers and support staff; contributing to staff development and psychosocial-education; and maintaining accurate, confidential records.
• Required Qualifications: Relevant qualification in psychology, counselling, social work, or allied fields; a trauma-informed and identity-affirming approach to practice; experience in play therapy and in working with children aged 3-6 years; ability to work collaboratively within a school-based setting; and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Preferential Qualification: Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) or the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Personal Attributes: Warm, engaging, and attuned to the needs of young children; reflective, flexible, and committed to ongoing professional growth; able to balance professional boundaries with a nurturing, supportive approach; and a strong commitment to the Catholic ethos and Dominican values of Springfield Convent School.
• Institution Website: www.springfieldconvent.co.za
• Institution Address: St John’s Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7800, South Africa
• Vacancy Source Link: View original vacancy here

Simple summary of the vacancy

Springfield Convent School, a respected independent day school for girls situated on Wynberg Hill in Cape Town, is seeking a dedicated part-time School-Based Therapist for their Preschool. This position requires someone to work two days a week, starting on 1 January 2026, and the application deadline is Monday 17 November 2025. The school, established by the Cabra Dominican Sisters in 1871, prides itself on its strong academic record and nurturing Catholic environment, welcoming students of all faiths while upholding Dominican values.

The successful candidate will be a qualified therapist joining a multidisciplinary team, focusing on the emotional and social development of girls aged 3 to 6 years through play-based and therapeutic methods. Key aspects of the role involve providing individual and group play therapy, leading interventions for emotional regulation and social skills, and offering psycho-educational support to parents and caregivers. Collaboration with teachers and other support staff is crucial to integrate therapeutic goals effectively within the classroom setting and contribute to overall staff development regarding holistic well-being needs.

Applicants should hold a relevant qualification in psychology, counselling, social work, or a related field, possess a trauma-informed and identity-affirming approach, and have demonstrable experience in play therapy with the specified age group. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, and registration with the HPCSA or SACSSP is preferred. The ideal candidate will be warm, engaging, reflective, flexible, and deeply committed to the school’s Catholic ethos and Dominican values, ensuring a nurturing and supportive environment while maintaining professional boundaries.

How to apply for this post

• Applications must be submitted via the provided Google Forms link: Apply here.
• Ensure all required information is accurately provided in the application form.
• The closing date for applications is Monday 17 November 2025.
• Please note that the school reserves the right not to fill this position, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Unsuccessful applicants should consider their application outcome without further notification.

Frequently asked questions for potential candidates

• Q: What kind of experience are they looking for?

  A: They are specifically looking for experience in play therapy and working with children aged 3-6 years. Demonstrating this through your CV and cover letter will be crucial.

• Q: Is registration with a professional body mandatory?

  A: While not strictly mandatory, registration with the HPCSA or SACSSP is preferential, so if you have it, make sure to highlight it in your application.

• Q: How important are the school’s values?

  A: The school explicitly mentions a commitment to its Catholic ethos and Dominican values as a personal attribute. Familiarising yourself with these values and articulating how you align with them will be highly beneficial.

• Q: What does “trauma-informed and identity-affirming” mean in practice for this role?

  A: This means approaching your therapeutic work with an understanding of trauma’s potential impact and respecting each child’s unique identity. Be prepared to discuss how you integrate these principles into your practice with young children.

• Q: How can I demonstrate my collaborative skills?

  A: Highlight any previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with teachers, or providing support to parents/caregivers. Emphasise your ability to integrate therapeutic goals effectively within a school setting.

• Q: What should I include in my application beyond my qualifications?

  A: Focus on showcasing your personal attributes like being warm, engaging, reflective, and flexible, particularly in relation to working with young children. Provide concrete examples where possible.

• Q: What is the expected time commitment for this part-time role?

  A: The role is for two days a week, suggesting a need for consistent availability on those specific days.

• Q: Will I be informed if my application is unsuccessful?

  A: The vacancy states that candidates not contacted should consider their application unsuccessful, meaning you might not receive direct feedback unless you are short-listed for an interview.

• Q: How can I make my application stand out if many candidates apply?

  A: Beyond meeting the stated requirements, demonstrating a genuine passion for supporting young girls’ emotional development and a clear understanding of the unique school environment (e.g., its Catholic ethos, collaborative approach) will strengthen your application.

• Q: What if my experience is with a slightly different age group?

  A: While experience with 3-6 year olds is specified, if your experience is very close or transferable, you might still apply, clearly highlighting how your skills are relevant and adaptable to this particular age range in your cover letter.

• Q: Is there an opportunity for professional development in this role?

  A: Yes, the role involves contributing to staff development and psychosocial-education, and the school seeks candidates committed to ongoing professional growth, indicating a supportive environment for learning and development.

• Q: What is the overall timeframe for the application and start?

  A: Applications close on 17 November 2025, and the successful candidate is expected to commence on 1 January 2026, so the selection process will take place during that interim period.