ART THERAPIST

ART THERAPIST - CHILD LIFE AND THERAPEUTIC RECREATION

JOB SUMMARY

Assesses and implements art therapy for patients’ ages 2-21 years. Interventions may also be provided for siblings, parents and / or family groups.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

• Demonstrates the ability to assess patients’ interests and creative / expressive goals using knowledge of human development, treatment, healthcare stressors, cultural and family systems consistent with their developmental level for patients aged 2 -21years.
• Demonstrates the ability to modify art therapy interventions in order to achieve goals and improve performance.
• Utilize art therapy interventions and assessments in order to help patients cope during their hospital stay, enhance self-esteem, reduce and manage stress throughout treatment, and increase social skills appropriate to developmental level.
• Provides a safe and therapeutic environment for individuals and groups.
• Utilizes appropriate art materials and equipment to address goals.
• Has the ability to manage patient behaviors in a group setting and individually.
• Reports any challenges to treatment team.
• Identifies environmental safety hazards and corresponding preventive / protective measures. Which include cleaning, restocking and / or maintenance of art supplies and other materials without specific direction.
• Demonstrates the ability to provide siblings with appropriate art therapy interventions in Sibshops programs or during sibling visits.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment needed by the patients served.
• Advances training in area of specialty.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of clinical domains and is a reliable and respected resource within the hospital.
• Advocates for patients by addressing clinical and psychosocial issues at team, in progress notes and in conversation.
• Writes treatment plans, progress notes, logs and other communications to staff and fellow employees in a professional, timely and thorough manner.

Informs supervisor of clinical or operational issues that may impact job performance or duties.

• Acts as consultant to other staff during evaluation and development of treatment plans within area of Specialization.
• Participates in and represents the department at team meetings or assigned work groups.
• Documents patient behaviors and progress towards goals in medical chart.
• Communicates regularly with patients, families and hospital staff.
• Interviews, trains and supervises volunteers.
• Works collaboratively with staff and assigned volunteers.
• Supervises art therapy interns.
• Completes projects and educational in-services as assigned.
• Demonstrates and promotes excellent customer service.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Educational Requirements :

Master's degree in Art Therapy from an accredited college or university

Two years professional experience working with children with special needs related to programming capacity as well as experience in clinical assessment and documentation.

Art Therapy (ATR-BC) board certification required Must have or be eligible for Maryland state license as a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist (LCPAT) or Licensed Graduate Professional Art Therapist (LGPAT) at time of hire

Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Orientation and Experience Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Other Requirements Specific to Assigned Area

Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively and courteously with patients, visitors, and members of the healthcare team.

Able to effectively manage children with special physical and psychosocial needs in a group or individual setting.

Able to bend, stoop and lift children of varying weight and sizes up to 50 lbs unassisted.

CPR Certification Required Respiratory Training (may be obtained within three months of hire).

Psychosocial Training / Aggressive Behavior Management Training.

Ability to act quickly and decisively in emergency situations

Able to communicate clearly and concisely both in written and verbal context

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Supervision Received : Child Life and Therapeutic Recreation Manager or designee

Supervision Exercised : Supervises assigned volunteer(s). Supervises art therapy interns.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS Directly interfaces daily with patients, visitors, interdisciplinary care team members, and other hospital staff.

TOOLS / EQUIPMENT USED Operates patient care equipment specific to the age, condition and location of the patient such as adaptive equipment, feeding tubes and pumps, oxygen administration equipment and respiratory care equipment.

Operates electrical games and computers.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT / WORKING CONDITIONS Limited risk of exposure to body fluids, infectious waste or blood borne diseases requiring the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to established protocol.

Subjected to irregular hours. Occasional stress due to emergency situations or multiple demands. This job description identifies the general nature and level of work to be performed.

It is not to be considered an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties or skills required of an incumbent.