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Play Therapy Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Play-Based Therapist

Cary, NC · On-site

$20.08 - $26.94/hr

Collaborate with and receive expert coaching from Lead BTs, ABA Assistant Supervisors, and ABA ... Partner with BCBAs and experts in speech-language therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, and ...

Occupational Therapist

Oxford, NC · On-site

$37 - $48.75/hr

... skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and graphic communication. An ... Direct supervision may be exercised over support personnel, such as occupational therapy assistants ...

Occupational Therapist

Oxford, NC · On-site

$37 - $48.75/hr

... skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and graphic communication. An ... Direct supervision may be exercised over support personnel, such as occupational therapy assistants ...

Physical Therapy Technician

Cary, NC · On-site

$13 - $14.75/hr

High-performing PTTs may progress into: o Physical Therapist Assistant roles o Graduate program ... You'll play a key role in scaling a mission-driven organization that puts patients and providers at ...

Physical Therapy Technician

Cary, NC · On-site

$13 - $14.75/hr

High-performing PTTs may progress into: o Physical Therapist Assistant roles o Graduate program ... You'll play a key role in scaling a mission-driven organization that puts patients and providers at ...

Become a part of our caring community As a therapist at CenterWell Home Health, you'll play a vital ... Provide Physical Therapy Assistants and Home Health Aide staff with written instructions/care plan ...

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Play Therapy Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$25

$46

How much do play therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for play therapy assistant in Raleigh, NC is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $31.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a play therapy assistant?

Play Therapy Assistants are professionals who support licensed play therapists in helping children express their feelings and resolve psychological challenges through play. They help set up play environments, assist in therapy sessions, and observe children's behavior under the guidance of a qualified therapist. Their role is crucial in making children feel safe and engaged, while ensuring therapy sessions run smoothly. Play Therapy Assistants often work in schools, clinics, or private practices and may also help with administrative tasks related to therapy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a play therapy assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Play Therapy Assistant, you need a background in child development or psychology, often supported by relevant coursework or certification in play therapy techniques. Familiarity with play therapy tools, record-keeping systems, and child observation methods is typically required. Strong soft skills include patience, creativity, and effective communication with both children and multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure that therapeutic interventions are delivered safely and effectively, fostering positive outcomes for children's emotional and social development.

What are some common challenges faced by play therapy assistants, and how can they be managed?

Play Therapy Assistants often work with children who may have emotional, behavioral, or developmental difficulties, which can present unique challenges. Managing strong emotions, building trust with clients, and maintaining professional boundaries are frequent hurdles. To address these, assistants benefit from ongoing supervision, clear communication with the lead therapist, and regular training in trauma-informed care. Collaborating closely with therapists, families, and other support professionals also helps ensure the best outcomes for each child.

What is the difference between Play Therapy Assistant vs Play Therapist?

AspectPlay Therapy AssistantPlay Therapist
CredentialsCertificate or diploma in play therapy support rolesMaster's degree or higher in psychology, counseling, or play therapy
Work EnvironmentAssist in therapy sessions, support children under supervisionConducts individual therapy sessions, develops treatment plans
Employer & IndustrySchools, clinics, mental health centersPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals

The Play Therapy Assistant typically supports licensed play therapists by preparing materials and assisting during sessions, requiring relevant certifications. Play Therapists are licensed professionals who lead therapy sessions and develop treatment strategies. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

Is play therapy in demand?

Play therapy assistant roles are increasingly in demand as mental health awareness and child therapy services grow. Professionals in this field should have relevant certifications and skills in child development and therapeutic techniques to meet the rising need for mental health support for children.

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Play Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Play Therapy Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Play Therapy Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,653 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) - Full-time

Select Specialty Hospital - Durham

Durham, NC • On-site

$28 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Select Specialty Hospital rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description

Overview

Position: Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Location: Durham, NC (6th floor of Duke Regional Hospital)

Schedule: Full TimeCompensation: $28.00 to $40.00 per hour, based on experience

Select Specialty Hospital Durham is a critical illness recovery hospital committed to providing world-class inpatient post-ICU services to chronic, critically ill patients who require extended healing and recovery. We help patients during some of the most vulnerable, painful moments of their lives - and Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) play a central role in providing compassionate, excellent treatment every step of the way.

Why Join Us:

  • Start Strong: Extensive and thorough Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into our setting.
  • Advance Your Career: Tuition reimbursement, and continuing education opportunities.
  • Elevate Your Skills: Clinical ladder program.
  • Ease the Burden: Student debt benefit program.
  • Your Health Matters: Comprehensive medical/RX, health, vision, and dental plan offerings
  • Recharge & Refresh: Generous PTO to maintain a healthy work-life balance
  • Invest in Your Future: Company-matching 401(k) retirement plan, as well as life and disability protection
  • Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 nationwide committed to providing exceptional care.
Responsibilities
  • Assist with the delivery of physical therapy services including transportation, therapeutic exercises and functional activities
  • Implement treatment goals, plans, and programs as established by the physical therapist (PT)
  • Assist the PT in carrying out therapeutic interventions designed to meet the patients' long-term goals, including strengthening, coordination and balance exercises; posture, endurance/cardiac, functional skills and community re-entry training; joint mobility and muscle lengthening and pain relief
  • Train patients in locomotion using orthotics, prosthetics or assistive devices
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Valid state PTA license
  • Possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification by start date.
Additional Data

Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans

Employment Type: OTHER

What Select Specialty Hospital employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Select Specialty Hospital logo

About Select Specialty Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Select Specialty Hospital is a top-tier healthcare services provider situated in Mechanicsburg, PA, US. Operating under the wider umbrella of the healthcare industry, Select Specialty Hospital is a part of a network of specialized acute care hospitals energized to provide superior, patient-centered treatment. Since its establishment, it has been a pioneer in providing long-term acute care (LTAC) services to patients transitioning from intensive care or requiring concentrated care for ongoing recovery.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Mechanicsburg, PA, US

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