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

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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.

Child Autism Therapist (Bachelor's Degree Required)

Action Behavior Centers - ABA Therapy for Autism

Wake Forest, NC • On-site

$17.50 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Follow personalized treatment plans and collect simple session data.

  • Help children learn through play, movement, reading, games, and hands-on activities.

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe therapy environment.


Action Behavior Centers rating

4.8

Company rating: 4.8 out of 10

Based on 359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

880th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Bachelor's Degree Required 
Job Description:
  • Make a Difference Every Day: Action Behavior Centers hires caring people to help children with autism build communication, social, and independent skills.
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (predictable daytime hours - no nights). Optional Saturdays available based on patient needs
  • Position Type: Full-Time
  • Location: 1936 Heritage Branch Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587
  • Start Date: Immediate openings available
  • Hiring Quickly: We typically respond to applications within 24 hours, so please keep an eye on your phone and email for interview scheduling.
  • Training: No experience necessary. We provide paid training and fully cover your Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification.
  • Experience That’s a PLUS (not required): Childcare experience such as nanny, babysitter, preschool teacher, camp counselor or tutor. Mental health roles such as QMHP or behavioral health technician. Paraprofessionals, caregivers, and life skills assistants. Psychology, Child Development, or any Health Sciences degrees.
***Please note, this role requires a Bachelor's Degree. As part of the hiring process, you must provide proof of your degree (diploma or official transcript showing the degree awarded). An offer of employment will not be extended until your educational qualifications have been verified.***
 
Pay (based on education & previous ABA experience)
  • Bachelor’s Degree: $16.50–$25.50 per hour
  • Master’s Degree: $17.50–$27 per hour
  • Fun Fact: You’ll receive your first raise after earning your RBT certification!
What You’ll Be Doing: You’ll work one-on-one with children ages 18 months to 8 years using play-based ABA therapy. In this role, you will:
  • Follow personalized treatment plans and collect simple session data
  • Help children learn through play, movement, reading, games, and hands-on activities
  • Stay active and engaged throughout therapy sessions
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe therapy environment
  • Collaborate with a supportive team focused on helping kids grow and succeed
  • Curious? Watch a Behavior Technician at work!  https://youtu.be/VecOVgP_2RI
Job Requirements
  • At least 18 years old
  • Bachelor's Degree: This role requires a bachelor's degree. As part of the hiring process, you must provide proof of your degree (diploma or transcript showing the degree awarded and conferral date). 
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
  • Comfortable sitting, standing, crouching, and getting on/off the floor frequently
  • Able to maintain an active pace while working with young children
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality
  • Willingness to complete paid RBT certification within 20 days of hire
  • Team mindset: may occasionally help support a nearby ABC clinic if additional coverage is needed
Why Candidates Choose ABC
  • Guaranteed full-time hours
  • Paid training + fully covered RBT certification
  • Raises every 6 months with clear growth goals
  • Health insurance covered at 90%
  • Dental and Vision benefits
  • 10 paid holidays, 10 PTO days, and 2 flex days
  • Free lunch every Friday
  • DoorDash DashPass and Calm app provided
  • Student loan repayment support
  • Supportive, team-focused work environment
Growth Opportunities: At Action Behavior Centers, we are committed to helping our team members grow. Many Behavior Therapists advance into roles such as: Clinical Administrators, Operations Managers, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)

Check Out Our Community & Culture

Instagram: https://instagram.com/actionbehaviorcenters
Facebook: https://facebook.com/actionbehaviorcenters
 
A Quick Note: Please do not reach out to clinic locations directly regarding your application status, as teams are busy supporting clients and families.
ABC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws, including the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA). We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
@Copyright 2026

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