Part-Time Art Therapist (20-25 hrs/week)

ABOUT PROJECT CREATE

Project Create provides opportunities for creative youth development through accessible, multidisciplinary arts education to empower young people and amplify their voices. We collaborate with children, youth, and families in an inclusive and supportive community where art is healing and transformative.

Project Create students participate in free out-of-school-time art classes, art therapy groups, workshops, open studio time, field trips, and exhibition and performance opportunities at our arts center in the Anacostia neighborhood of Ward 8, as well as at community partner sites across the District. Project Create serves over 1,000 DC children, youth and their family members every year.

POSITION SUMMARY

Project Create is seeking an Art Therapist (or other Creative Arts Therapist) to provide weekly group art therapy sessions for children and youth at our arts center in Anacostia and at community partner sites in Washington, DC. The Therapist is responsible for planning and implementing discipline-specific therapeutic services for the assigned program.

This is a part-time staff position (20–25 hours per week) that includes approximately 10 hours of direct group facilitation and 10–15 hours of administrative work, planning, documentation, and meetings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Therapeutic Session Facilitation

• Plans and leads a minimum of 10 hours of community-based group art therapy sessions per week, following established program structures.
• Uses the creative process of self-expression to help children and youth resolve conflicts, enhance self-esteem, build self-awareness, and achieve personal insights.
• Assures the use of age-appropriate expressive therapy modalities tailored to the needs of group participants.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation on participant progress as required by regulatory requirements and professional standards.
• Completes routine paperwork, including session notes and participant records, within prescribed time frames.

Collaboration and Team Participation

• Attends designated staff meetings and conferences to collaborate on program goals and participant needs.
• Assists in conducting participant evaluations and gathers insights to inform therapeutic approaches.

Professional Development

• Utilizes supervision sessions for self-reflection, professional growth, and maintaining a high standard of therapeutic practice.
• Participates in ongoing training and supervision as provided by HeART Space.

Additional Responsibilities

• Completes other administrative duties as needed
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and standards of care.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• MA in Art Therapy (other Creative Arts Therapists encouraged to apply) from an accredited university; ATR-P required, ATR/ATR-BC preferred
• Experience working with children and youth in a therapeutic or community-based setting.
• Punctual and reliable, with excellent group facilitation and classroom management skills
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, age-appropriate expressive therapy modalities, and group facilitation.
• Cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion
• Comfortable working collaboratively with staff and assistants
• Ability to work in a hands-on, flexible environment with limited resources
• Vehicle required for travel around DC

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Part-time staff position (20–25 hours/week)
• Afternoon, early evening, and some weekend hours required
• Local travel to Project Create’s Anacostia studio and partner sites East of the River and throughout DC

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary: $30,000–$40,000 annually, commensurate with experience and hours worked within the 20–25 hour range.

Employee Benefits include:

• 1-hour of weekly clinical supervision provided as a benefit
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, pre-tax health saving account, travel reimbursement, telephone reimbursement
• Professional development support
• Access to studio materials and resources
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

Employee Benefits include:

• 1-hour of weekly clinical supervision provided as a benefit
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, pre-tax health saving account, travel reimbursement, telephone reimbursement
• Professional development support
• Access to studio materials and resources
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

Native or fluent in English.