Creative Arts Therapist

Overview

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Creative Arts Therapist to develop, implement, and evaluate an art therapy program for patients receiving care from the Murtha Cancer Center’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic located at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Creative Arts Therapist fosters positive and professional interpersonal relationships with patients/families, physicians, hospital staff, community representatives and visitors. Effectively uses interpersonal communication skills to promote a healing environment.

The John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed Bethesda is a modern, patient-centric, tri-service military healthcare facility. Its comprehensive core of military and civilian oncologists and other cancer- trained clinicians and researchers provide multidisciplinary cancer-care delivery and patient-family support services. Our Cancer Center, the only DoD Cancer Center of Excellence within the Military Health System, offers its patients access to cutting-edge cancer diagnostic and treatment technologies.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

Responsibilities

• Works with patients, families, and staff to understand the needs of the patient population of the Murtha Cancer Center’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic from an art therapy perspective.
• Collaborates with relevant departmental and hospital staff to address patient or systemic problems that arise.
• Develops a vision and sets goals per the priorities of the Peds Onc leadership.
• Participates in developing materials to explain and promote the Program.
• Participates in developing appropriate documentation standards to reflect art therapy assessments and interventions.
• Participates as active member of the Patient and family Support Program to integrate art therapy programs with other psychosocial services.
• Meets individual patients and parents/guardians to explain art therapy program. Assesses individual and/or group needs and identifies goals based on assessment.
• Document’s interventions in patient medical records according to standards developed for art therapy documentation.
• Develops plan for art therapy interventions for individuals and groups as appropriate. Designs and provides individual and group art activities and evaluates outcomes, with research participation where able.
• Obtains and maintains an age-appropriate and safe selection and quantity of art supplies, equipment, and other materials for the program.
• Participates in art therapy related research conducted at the site
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Art Therapist: Master’s Degree from an accredited art therapy program required.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Art Therapist: ATR or ATR-BC through continuing education as required by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to relate to diverse patient populations.
• Sensitivity to individuals from varied backgrounds and cultures.
• Competency with age-specific needs from childhood through young adulthood.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a office setting.

Security Requirements: US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities 

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) 

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.