Mental Health Play Therapist

Futures First is currently seeking a Mental Health Therapist to join our Early Childcare Mental Health team at our Children's Campus in Kansas City, KS. This is currently a part-time, exempt position (18.75 hours per week; 0.50 FTE) with the potential to transition to a full-time (1.0 FTE) position at the beginning of the year, based on agency needs and funding. As a Mental Health Therapist, you will provide therapeutic services to clients ages 3 years old - 6 years old using play therapy evidenced based treatment modalities and/or other modalities as appropriate.

Position: Mental Health Play Therapist

Location: Kansas City Metro Area

Agency: Futures First

Job Type: Part Time

Compensation: This 0.5 FTE position, based on an 18.75-hour workweek, offers an annual salary range of $24,000–$27,500. In addition to salary, Futures First provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes employee benefits.

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with matching up to 2%
• Yearly 5% employer retirement contribution
• Flexible Work Schedules (Hybrid Model)

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Diagnose clients using the DSM-5.
• Provide appropriate evidence-based treatment modalities based on clinical judgment and each client’s needs.
• Complete comprehensive client assessments.
• Collaborate with clients to create, implement, and appropriately update meaningful, individualized treatment plans based on identified needs and circumstances.
• Meet with clients regularly to address concerns and evaluate progress through treatment.
• Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Communicate and consult with clients’ support systems and collateral contacts as clinically appropriate.
• Make appropriate referrals to other service providers.
• Provide psychoeducation as appropriate.
• Establish trust and rapport with clients.
• Maintain the confidentiality of records related to clients’ treatment.
• Help clients develop skills and strategies for addressing their concerns.
• Prepare court documentation and provide testimony as required.
• Maintain all required professional licenses and cooperate promptly with third-party credentialing requirements for billing purposes.
• Maintain accurate records and receipts for all employment-related expenditures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor, department director, or the agency’s Executive Director.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with partners, colleagues, and individuals from diverse backgrounds while contributing to shared team responsibilities.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and customer-service skills, with a respectful and growth-oriented communication style.
• Commitment to a growth mindset, self-reflection, ongoing education, and professional development.
• Commitment to supporting partner sites through transformative change.
• Ability to demonstrate patience, flexibility, curiosity, and resilience.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to meet established deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and delegate tasks when appropriate.
• Ability to work effectively in virtual, office, and client-facing environments as service demands dictate.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced and occasionally stressful environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Graduated from an accredited school of higher education in the fields of social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, or equivalent education.
• A minimum of an LMSW for social work applicants.
• Clinically licensed practitioner (LCSW, LSCSW, LPC, etc.) or become clinically licensed within 3 years of hire.
• Play Therapy Certificate preferred
• Registered Play Therapist (RPT) preferred
• Bilingual fluency in written and oral English/Spanish preferred.
• Experience making clinical diagnosis of clients utilizing the DSM-5 preferred.
• 2+ years of experience working with early childhood, underserved populations, highly traumatized individuals, and those experiencing domestic violence preferred.

Why Join Futures First?

At Futures First, you will be part of a highly respected organization committed to strengthening children, families, and communities across the Kansas City metro area. You will join a collaborative team that values relationships, innovation, and continuous improvement while making a meaningful impact on the quality of early care and education experiences for children and families.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Futures First is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, contact Nicole Benoit at [email protected] to discuss your needs.