Creative Arts Therapist - Continuous Learning Opportunities

Title: Creative Arts Therapist

Department: PALS

Supervisor: Director of Residential

Effective Date:

Status: Consultant (temporary)

Rate: $75 / hour

JOB SUMMARY

The Creative Arts Therapist is a direct service position that has the responsibility for the provision of creative arts therapy within the YWCA Eastern Union County PALS Program. The areas of focus are creative arts therapy (dance/movement, drama, art) individual and group, intake and assessment, parent education, and documentation. All positions within the shelter will be trained for answering the hotline, and for coverage of backup shifts.

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SPECIALIZED TRAINING

• Master's degree in creative art therapy or equivalent.
• Must be Board Certified (ATR-BC) or eligible.
• Must have prior counseling and/or clinical experience.
• Experience with children, domestic violence, and/or trauma survivors very strongly preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural a substantive plus
• Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation.
• Maintain flexibility in schedule to meet client needs.
• Be available for some evenings and weekends.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Intake & Assessment

• Conduct intake assessments with each child.
• Assist in administering psychological tests to children enrolling in the PALS program.
• Create individualized treatment plan for each child.
• Work cooperatively with PALS staff (case manager, counselor) so as to ensure that each child's needs are being met in a holistic and appropriate manner.

Creative Arts Work

• Provide individual, group and family creative arts therapies to participants of the Organization PALS program.
• Ensure that age-appropriate safety planning is integrated into creative arts sessions where possible and appropriate.
• Ensure that age-appropriate information regarding respectful behavior and healthy boundaries is integrated into creative arts sessions where possible and appropriate.

Parent Education

• Educate parents, where appropriate, regarding the dynamics of domestic violence and the effects of witnessing on children.
• Educate parents, where appropriate, regarding non-violent strategies for parenting children who have been traumatized.
• Encourage parent-child and sibling-sibling bonding through participation in family-based creative art therapy sessions.

Training & Supervision

• Attend weekly/monthly staff meetings and supervisory meetings.
• Participate in YWCA 40-hour training, community and professional trainings as needed.

Documentation

• Provide and maintain adequate client records and reports.
• Submit information and reports in a timely and professional manner.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Attend team meetings, conferences and trainings as directed.
• Participate in YWCA events, programs and volunteer/professional 40-hour training.
• Coordinate services with other YWCA programs to insure holistic and comprehensive services to families.
• Represent agency in external committees as needed.
• Represent PALS in internal committees as needed.
• Provide transportation if needed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• All positions will be trained to answer the hotline and for shelter shift coverage.

This job description is a broad outline of the responsibilities and duties that will be amended as needed to meet the program priorities of the YWCA Union County and their ensuring work requirements. It should not be construed as a contract.

Mission of the YWCA-Union County

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Commitment to the mission and working together for the well-being of the community

Integrity in relationships, practices, and decisions.

Respect for each one's roles, diversity, and viewpoints.

Compassion in understanding, attitude, and action.

Empowerment to create positive choices, recognize potential, and reach goals.

Excellence in practice and expectation.