Art Therapist - BIRCH Hospital

Description

As an Art Therapist within our High-Acuity Youth Program at RiverValley Behavioral Health Children's Hospital, you will play a crucial role in using the creative process of art-making to support the emotional expression, coping skills, and overall well-being of children and adolescents facing complex psychiatric challenges. Working collaboratively with our interdisciplinary team, you will utilize art therapy techniques to promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive change in our young patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct art therapy assessments to evaluate the emotional, cognitive, and social needs of children and adolescents admitted to the High-Acuity Youth Program.
• Develop individualized treatment plans and goals based on assessment findings, utilizing art therapy interventions to address specific therapeutic objectives and promote healing and growth.
• Facilitate individual and group art therapy sessions, providing a safe and supportive environment for patients to explore and express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through art-making.
• Use a variety of art materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and other expressive modalities, to engage patients in the creative process and facilitate self-expression and communication.
• Incorporate psychoeducation, mindfulness techniques, and relaxation strategies into art therapy sessions to help patients develop coping skills, enhance stress management, and improve emotional regulation.
• Collaborate with other members of the treatment team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and recreational therapists, to ensure coordinated and integrated care for patients.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment planning meetings, case conferences, and progress reviews to monitor patient outcomes and adjust intervention strategies as needed.
• Document patient progress, treatment interventions, and outcomes accurately and timely in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to program development and quality improvement initiatives, including research, program evaluation, and development of evidence-based protocols and resources.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Art Therapy or a related field from an accredited program
• Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential from the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB)
• Minimum of two years of experience working as an Art Therapist in a clinical or mental health setting, preferably with children and adolescents
• Strong clinical skills in conducting art therapy assessments, developing treatment plans, and facilitating therapeutic art interventions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Creativity, empathy, and a passion for working with children and adolescents with mental health challenges
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development in the field of art therapy
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing the practice of art therapy

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to built rapport and credibility with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize data from a variety of sources and to apply reason, logic, and advanced problem-solving skills to resolve complex issues.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to prioritize, organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and the ability to quickly master new software applications.
• Proficiency in electronic health records (HER) and other healthcare technologies.