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JOB TITLE: Creative Arts Therapist

POSITION GRADE: 81(28$-34$ per hour, commensurate on education and experience)

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Hope on the Horizon

SUPERVISOR: Hope on the Horizon Program Manager

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Art Therapist at Hope on the Horizon will use creative expression as a therapeutic tool to support the emotional, social, and developmental needs of youth and families. This role is responsible for designing and facilitating individual and group art therapy sessions that foster self-expression, resilience, and healing. The Art Therapist will work collaboratively with program staff, case managers, and mentors to integrate art-based interventions into broader service plans, while maintaining compliance with documentation and ethical standards. This position requires a compassionate, trauma-informed professional who can inspire growth and provide safe, meaningful therapeutic experiences through art.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Program Implementation and Therapeutic Services

+ Design, implement, and facilitate individual and group art therapy sessions tailored to the developmental and emotional needs of youth and families.

+ Utilize diverse art mediums (drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, etc.) as tools for expression, coping, and healing.

+ Incorporate trauma-informed practices and culturally responsive approaches into all sessions.

+ Support participants in developing coping skills, self-awareness, and resilience through structured creative activities.

2. Collaboration and Case Support

+ Partner with program staff, case managers, and youth mentors to integrate art therapy into overall service and enrichment plans.

+ Provide input and recommendations during case reviews and multidisciplinary meetings.

+ Engage families when appropriate to strengthen therapeutic outcomes and reinforce creative expression at home.

3. Documentation and Compliance

+ Maintain accurate records of attendance, progress notes, and therapeutic outcomes in compliance with agency policies and funding requirements.

+ Track program performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of art therapy interventions.

+ Uphold confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines of the American Art Therapy Association and New York State standards.

Reporting and Compliance

+ Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all sessions, treatment plans, and progress notes in accordance with agency policies and funding requirements.

+ Track and report program outcomes and performance metrics as required by ARPA and Villa of Hope compliance standards.

+ Ensure confidentiality and adherence to HIPAA regulations and professional codes of ethics.

+ Participate in audits, evaluations, and data collection efforts to demonstrate program impact and accountability.

+ Collaborate with the Program Director and administrative staff to ensure compliance with internal policies, state regulations, and funding guidelines.

COMPTENCIES:

Leading Self

+ Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)

Leading Others

+ Customer Focus

Leading the Organization

+ Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity

Minimum Requirements

+ Master’s degree in Art Therapy, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related mental health field with a specialization in art therapy.

+ Current New York State licensure or eligibility (LCAT, ATR-BC, LMHC, LMSW, or equivalent).

+ Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with youth and/or families in a therapeutic or community-based setting.

+ Knowledge of trauma-informed care practices and adolescent development.

+ Ability to complete and maintain all required documentation, reporting, and compliance standards.

+ Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for program-related activities.

Special Skills

+ Strong ability to engage and motivate youth through creative, expressive modalities.

+ Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills for working with youth, families, and multidisciplinary staff.

+ Proficiency in designing and leading group sessions that promote self-expression, healing, and personal growth.

+ Ability to work independently while maintaining flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

+ Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish or other languages) preferred but not required.

+ Familiarity with digital art, music, or multimedia tools as therapeutic resources is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis: standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing; Must be able to perform a variety of tasks, climb stairs, move throughout the building , work cooperatively in a team environment and quickly respond to emergencies. Position may also require employee to transport clients utilizing an agency vehicle. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training: the ability to drop repeatedly to knees, twist and turn, exert oneself physically at an intense level, and support another adult’s weight.