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The Arc Erie County New York has been supporting children and adults with disabilities, and their families in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities through comprehensive services for over 65 years.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Creative Arts Facilitator/Instructor

Are you passionate about art therapy and helping people with developmental disabilities? We are looking for a dedicated instructor to join our dynamic team here at The Arc Erie County NY!

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations:

+ Assess our people’s abilities and preferences to tailor instruction and activities to their specific needs and goals

+ Support our individuals in expressing themselves creatively and develop skills through various art forms

+ Utilize a variety of art forms like visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture) and even crafts, depending on the individual's interests and abilities.

+ Successfully engaging in creative projects that can lead to increased self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment in our people

+ Holds group as well as individual classes/lessons at various locations including community forums, IRA residences, the art classroom, Day Hab rooms, etc.

Qualifications and Experience:

+ Masters degree in Art Therapy, Social Work, Special Education or closely related field PLUS (1) yr full time direct service experience OR

+ Bachelor degree in Art Therapy, Social Work, Special Education or closely related field PLUS (3) yr full time direct service experience

+ Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and evening hours as needed and required.

+ Ability to work and travel to various work locations throughout Erie County.

Pay: $27.00 - $28.00 hr (based on experience) – 40 hrs per week, shifts may vary

Benefits: Health, dental, vision and life insurance, 403b w/ employer contribution, automatic PTO, on-demand pay, 10 paid holidays off!

Job Description

Job Title:

Creative Arts Instructor

Department:

Community Supports & Habilitation Services

Job Grade:

4

Position Summary:

Supplements and supports various programs at The Arc Erie County New York by providing art & to people with developmental disabilities; Develops and implements individual and group program; Expands peoples’ enjoyment and appreciation of the arts through exposure to various styles and performances.

Reporting Relationship:

Receives supervision from the Associate Director of Day Habilitation. May supervise direct support professionals as the program grows.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

+ Provides weekly experiences to people within the program with emphasis on art appreciation/enjoyment in conjunction with specific objectives

+ Prepares detailed lesson plans one week in advance, outlining specific activities, goals and objectives as they relate to each person and including the materials to be used

+ Communicates with parents/guardians/staff, as appropriate, regarding the creative art program and progress of respective people

+ Coordinates daily programs as requested as well as for special events such as graduation, thematic programs etc.

+ Maintains accurate and complete records as required by law, The Arc Erie County policies, and administrative regulations

+ Prepares and maintains work setting, equipment, and supplies in accordance with health and safety requirements

+ Plans and documents a daily schedule according to assigned workload

+ Holds group as well as individual classes/lessons at various locations including community forums, IRA residences, the art classroom, Day Hab rooms, etc.

+ Ability to work across a variety of program spaces i.e. Day Habilitation, Residential, Vocational & Community Programs

+ Keeps informed of the current trends in this discipline as well as current research in proven appropriate methods and practice in working with students with developmental disabilities

+ Attends and participates conferences and team meetings as requested

+ Participates in in-service training and ad hoc committee meetings for the purpose of assuring maximum opportunities for people

+ Utilizes staff handbook in order to learn and follow agency policies and procedures

+ Selects and utilizes or, when needed, recommends through outlined ordering procedures appropriate materials and equipment to fulfill specific goals and objectives

+ Consults with other members of each person’s team, including program staff, parents and/or agency personnel, in order to best ensure a comprehensive coordinated approach to meeting each person’s needs

+ Immediately reports all accidents or incidents to designated staff and completes required related reports in a timely and accurate manner

+ Advises supervisor of any relevant information regarding job-related responsibilities in a timely fashion

+ Conducts and records an annual inventory of equipment and supplies as scheduled by supervisor

+ Maintains and protects confidential or other sensitive information such as Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) as defined in the agency’s information security policy

+ Monitors and updates participants progress on an ongoing basis

+ Keeps informed of current adaptive trends in this area and current research in proven appropriate methods and practice

+ Coordinates/submits student art to be displayed at program sites and special events including art/vendor tables at agency events, leadership conferences, etc.

+ As the program grows, may be required to directly supervise DSP staff which would include hiring, discipline, performance reviews, and termination, if applicable. To fully understand the DSP’s role in the creative arts area, Creative Arts Instructor will need to be trained/be able to work as a DSP.

+ Performs other related duties as requested by supervisor

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Art Therapy, Special Education or a closely related developmental disabilities field PLUS one year of full-time paid direct service experience with developmentally disabled adults.

OR

Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Art Therapy, Special Education or a closely related developmental disabilities field PLUS three years of full-time paid direct service experience with developmentally disabled adults and one year of supervisory experience.

PLUS

Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and evening hours as needed and required.

Ability to work and travel to various work locations throughout Erie County.

Demonstrated skill in formulating and documenting appropriate creative art objectives for people with developmental disabilities; Ability to train and raise the consciousness of professional staff in utilizing creative art as a learning tool.; Sensitivity and respect for people with developmental disabilities and their families at all times; Ability to maintain auditory and visual supervision of participants; Ability to communicate orally on a professional level and to write in a legible, grammatically correct manner; Ability to work cooperatively with others; Willingness to accept and perform duties and responsibilities not ordinarily associated with the position in cases of emergency or when unusual or unpredictable circumstances arise; Ability to handle information discretely and ethically with an understanding of strict rules of confidentiality; Willingness to grow and further develop personal and professional performance; Willingness to attend specific training as may be requested by the position or requested by the supervisor

Essential Job Functions:

+ Physical demands and Exposure Risk outlined on attached form (A)

Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, sit, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, climb flight of stairs; Good physical strength and be able to lift/transfer a minimum of 25 lbs. unassisted; Must have the ability to see, hear, listen, speak clearly, good motor coordination: grip, strength, eye-hand coordination

+ Mental Requirements:

The ability to perform critical thinking and complex problem solving skills, write in clear, organized manner, show good judgment, independent action, prioritizing, following directions. Works independently, as well as cooperatively, with others. Be approachable, enthusiastic and meet job related tasks accordingly

+ Human Relations Skills:

The ability to communicate with individuals in a positive manner, both oral and written, serve as an appropriate role model to co-workers and program participants. Receive supervision instruction in a positive manner. Adhere to agency’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Maintains a professional attitude and appearance at all times.

+ Equipment Operation:

The ability to operate office equipment, such as computer, copier, fax machine, and laminator; Ability to operate any equipment in the delivery of art therapy and art experiences

Agency Principles:

+ All staff members will assure and demonstrate the promotion of fundamental rights and protections for the people that we support. These include practices that treat people with dignity and respect at all times, ensure safety, best possible health/well-being and provide the person with continuity and personal security through the use of natural supports, positive relationships and opportunities for integration in the community. Staff members should also advocate and work toward assisting the people we support through person-centered planning to achieve the personal outcome goals that they have chosen by facilitating the plans and positive supports necessary to assist the person in progressing toward each outcome.

+ Demonstrates the agency values of integrity, respect, responsibility, trust, teamwork, positive attitude, learning and honesty in working with students (persons), families, colleagues and members of our community.

+ Good attendance is vital for the efficient and effective operation of quality programming and is an essential job function of this position.

This position is EXEMPT from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standard Act.

The Arc Erie County New York retains the right to change this job description at any time.

The Arc Erie County New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strong advocate of workforce diversity. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran.

Job Details

Job Family Arc Erie

Pay Type Hourly

Education Level Bachelor’s Degree

Travel Required Yes

Hiring Min Rate 27 USD

Hiring Max Rate 28 USD