Art Therapist

Summary

Under the general supervision of the Summit Coordinator, performs the duties of Art Therapist and serves as a resource to staff, teams and Interns. Participates in departmental programs and activities and serves as a role model of quality clinical practice.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Provides art therapy procedures for patients to restore leisure interaction, prevent isolation and maximize potential and quality of life by:

• Evaluating and assessing patients.
• Planning appropriate treatment based on the referral and evaluation, and by establishing reasonable goals.
• Use multiple art mediums in therapy to help their patients overcome mental and emotional trauma.
• Use the creative process to help patients explore their feelings and develop self-awareness.
• Educating the patient and/or care giver regarding treatment goals, treatment methods and potential treatment outcome(s).
• Performing treatments according to established plans and goals, utilizing appropriate procedures, equipment and techniques within the scope of therapeutic recreation.
• Communicating, verbally and in writing, with other healthcare professionals including patient referral sources.
• Documenting in the medical record according to established criteria.
• Reevaluating patients and assessing their progress; also making recommendations regarding disposition.

Serves as a resource to staff, teams and Interns by:

• Participating in the orientation of new Art Therapists.
• Participating in the development of new patient care programs and/or the revision of existing programs.
• Presenting in-services to staff and students.
• Serving as Clinical Instructor of Art Therapist Interns.
• Coordinating volunteers in Art Therapy.
• Communicating with other Staff Therapists, Managers and Coordinators, formally or informally, as needed.

Supports the department by:

• Overseeing and keeping records of equipment maintenance and department supplies.

Contributes to the overall efficiency of the department by:

• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

• The above knowledge, skills and abilities are normally acquired through the successful completion of a master's degree in an art therapy related field. Professional certification through ATCB is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires the ability to effectively use all evaluation tools, modalities and equipment typically used to provide art therapy.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal skills needed to communicate in a tactful, sincere, effective manner with patients, families, healthcare professionals and various Hospital staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and a commitment to Memorial Health System's mission and values; and the organization's goal of providing world class service by following Memorial's Performance Essentials.
• Requires the physical ability, stamina, visual acuity, and manual dexterity (i.e. to sit/stand/walk for prolonged periods of time, push wheelchairs/carts, transfer, lift or pull patients or supplies, lift and transfer patients, etc.) perform the essential functions of the position.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment requiring physical exertion, frequent changes in job demands, and certain undesirable patient care activities.
• May be exposed to biohazards.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e., to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.