Community-Based Art Therapist (Visual Art, Expressive Arts)

POSITION SUMMARY

Project Create is seeking Art Therapists and Expressive Arts Therapists to provide weekly group art therapy sessions with children and youth in our community partnership sites and at our arts center in Anacostia. The Therapist is responsible for planning and implementing discipline-specific therapeutic services for the assigned program.

Project Create contractors enjoy a rewarding and hands-on experience working with children and youth in an engaging group workshop setting. Sessions are typically held on weekdays during out-of-school-time hours, but some classes take place during the school day and on weekends. Most courses are scheduled weekly for 10 to 16 consecutive weeks on a semesterly basis.

Programming for Community Based Art Therapists includes:

• Mental Health and Creative Wellness Workshops
• Family Art Day (2nd & 4th Saturdays)
• Adolescent & Multi Family Art Therapy Groups
• Community Based Art Therapy Groups in the DC community

The Therapist is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

• Plans and conducts community-based group therapy sessions in accordance with program structures;
• Uses the creative process of self-expression to help children and youth resolve conflicts/problems, increase self-esteem, self-awareness, and achieve insight;
• Performs in an effective and efficient manner, which is consistent with current standards for the position and with policies/procedures of the facility;
• Maintains appropriate documentation on progress as required by regulatory requirements and professional standards;
• Assures the application of age-appropriate expressive therapies modalities to group work;
• Completes routine paperwork within the prescribed time frames;
• Attends designated team meetings and conferences;
• Assists in conducting participant evaluations;
• Utilizes supervision to appropriate self-awareness and growth; and
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• MA in Art Therapy (other forms of Creative Arts Therapists are also encouraged to apply) from an accredited university, or professional credential in your discipline. ATR-P required, ATR/ ATR-BC preferred.
• Experience working with children and youth affected by economic hardship or socio-emotional disability.
• Punctual and reliable, with excellent classroom management skills and the ability to multitask.
• Strong direction and ability to command the attention of a full group of participants.
• Experience working with and understanding of the social, emotional and economic needs of children within low-income communities.
• Cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Comfortable working with other staff and assistants.
• Ability to work in a hands-on, flexible environment with limited resources.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is an independent contractor position, and hours range from 1 to 10 hours weekly, depending on organizational need.

Local travel to Anacostia studio and partner sites East of the River and throughout greater Washington DC metro area.

COMPENSATION

$50-100/hour for teaching (commensurate with experience)

$25/hour paid administrative and planning time

Strong English language proficiency