Job Description

Art Therapist

As a member of an interdisciplinary team, the Art Therapist will implement treatment programs with groups and individuals addressing a vast continuum of outcomes, including reduction of pain and anxiety, stress management, communication and emotional expression. The Art Therapist assesses patient needs or disorders using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other artistic processes. Analyzes or synthesizes patient data to draw conclusions or make recommendations for art therapy.

Essential Job Statements

• Applies a variety of mediums including, but not limited to drawing, acrylic painting, watercolor, collage, sculpture, photography, jewelry making, all aiming to foster wellbeing, practice hands on mindfulness skills, and implement creative expression.
• Assesses patient needs or disorders, using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other artistic processes.
• Analyzes data to determine the effectiveness of treatments or therapy approaches; synthesizes data to draw conclusions or make recommendations for art therapy.
• Charts patient assessment findings and recommendations.
• Confers with other health care professionals on patient's treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans. Interprets the artistic creations of clients to assess their functioning, needs, or progress. Talks with patients during art or other therapy sessions to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to the artistic process.
• Facilitates group sessions for example, by encouraging members of the group to relate to each other through their art.
• Provides education for medical and therapeutic staff on the benefits of art therapy and reasons for medical art therapy services including appropriate referral criteria, overview of art therapy, etc. Provides experiential sessions for staff engagement and education.
• Reviews research or literature in art therapy, psychology or related disciplines. Stays abreast of best practices within art therapy.
• Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects to support the mission of VCUHS and the Department of Arts in Healthcare.
• Ensures responsibility and visible commitment of diversity equity and inclusion programs/initiatives through collaboration and implementation of initiatives across the health.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Required Education: Master's degree in art therapy or another behavioral science clinical field from an accredited college or university

Preferred Education: One to two years of previous work experience as an Art Therapist

Licensure/Certification Required: Art Therapist Board Certification (ATR-BC) by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc (ATCB) Registered Art Therapist (ATR)

Licensure/Certification Preferred: n/a

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience: Equivalent of six months of art therapy experience, which may be achieved thru school practicum hours.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Hands on experience in a variety of art mediums (2D & 3D) Cultural Responsiveness Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: One to Two years previous experience working with a diverse patient/client population. Experience working in a medical, behavioral health setting

Working Conditions

General office environment. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Prolonged periods of working alone.

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Push/Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Climbing, Balance, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards

Physical Requirements: Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision

Hazards:

Mental/Sensory Emotional

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast-paced environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.

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