Creative Art Therapist

Overview

The Creative Art Therapist uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of people at all ages. Creative Arts Therapists specialize in different modalities of Creative Arts including art, dance, drama, music and other modalities.

Responsible for the planning, implementation and maintenance of the Creative Art Therapy program for patients in the Psychiatry, Behavioral Health Units, in collaboration with the Arts Therapy supervisor.  Works collaboratively with the treatment team to develop treatment plans, goals, and objectives. Documents in the EMR, EPIC. Writes Progress notes for assigned patients and patients on the units.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Creative Arts Therapy supervisor works to assess needs of patient population and develop appropriate programming, groups, and group protocols.
• Appropriately utilizing skills and treatment strategies as part of their knowledge base which will utilize supervision to explain and discussed during CAT individual and group supervisions.
• Meet and Evaluate individual patient’s needs, skills, goals and design corresponding activities and therapeutic sessions based on assessment of needs.
• Develop Creative Art Therapy groups for patients of all skill levels.
• Plan and facilitate activities and therapeutic sessions.
• Organize and execute Creative Art Therapy sessions in both 1:1 and group settings.
• Identify and implement various therapeutic art modalities to enhance functional skills including but not limited to the areas of self-management, self-expression, coping skills, stress management, task performance, social interaction, and use of leisure time.
• Document initial assessment, treatment plan, and progress notes in compliance with hospital and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain, update, and edit templates used by CAT/AT staff.
• Attend all clinical/planning meetings scheduled for the interdisciplinary staff.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to maximize the quality of cohesive patient treatment.
• Assist in educating therapeutic activity colleagues and other department members on the specific role of Creative Arts Therapy in the treatment of people with mental illness.
• Orient patients to the unit and inform patients of therapeutic groups and activities offered.
• Submit requests for necessary therapeutic supplies and maintain equipment/work area in a clean and safe environment.
• Provide supervision to student interns and volunteers assigned to the unit, when required.
• Participate in the development of activity/recreation therapy groups led by activity therapists.
• Lead the planning and implementing of special unit activities and participating in special division-wide programming.
• Participate in weekly Grand Rounds and other continuing education activities.
• Adhere to all hospital and network requirements such as HIPPA/Corporate Compliance trainings and other trainings require by the hospital and regulatory agencies
• Maintenance of all supplies, Art Therapy rooms and areas
• Safeguarding of all equipment and equipment used in groups by adhering to material safety guidelines.
• Participate responsibly in the supervisory relationship with the Creative Art Therapy Supervisor.
• Provide therapeutic groups, activities and/or provide coverage on inpatient units including weekends, evenings and holidays as needed/assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor.  In an emergency, performs other duties necessary for the welfare of patients and the efficient operation of the hospital. 

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s Degree required in approved Creative Art Therapy field (art therapy, dance movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, poetry therapy and psychodrama).
• Core courses outlined by national associations/governing bodies must be met (NCCATA list specific associations for each modality).

Experience:

• Experience in the field of Creative Art Therapy, preferably one (1) year.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Attending seminars, workshops, and conferences to discuss treatment methods and share ideas and experience.
• Ability to fully utilize BHMC’s electronic record systems, equipment and other healthcare and billing systems relevant to this position..

Licenses, Certifications:

• Creative Arts Therapist must be eligible for limited permit.
• Creative Art Therapist are required to be registered and certified or eligible for certification by that specific modalities credentials board (ATBC, DMTCB, NADTA, CBMT, NAPT). Applicants eligible for certification within one year of date of hire may be considered.
• Creative Arts Therapist must be actively working towards licensure and be eligible for submission of licensure application within two years of date of hire.
• Creative Arts Therapist is responsible for maintaining all certification, permits and licenses as determined by governing bodies.
• Creative Art Therapist New York State licensure must be obtained within two years of hire.

Physical Requirements:

• Position requires prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day. 
• Position will be required to stoop, bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center.

BHMC is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.