Creative Arts Therapist Licensed (LCAT) - Education Services

Job Description Summary

Music Therapist- Creative Arts Therapist: participate in the assessment, evaluation and therapeutic intervention and treatment of mental, emotional, developmental and behavioral disorders through the use of mental health counseling combined with specific art services, including dance/movement, drama, music, poetry and/or art therapy. Leads therapy groups and individual therapy sessions for students in area(s) of specialization utilizing therapy techniques that help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) including complex physical, behavioral and/or communication needs, improve their overall well-being while supporting their independence and academic, therapeutic and social emotional goals and needs. Works cooperatively with classroom staff and related service providers to plan, design and implement activities that can be connected with classroom curriculums and implements appropriate adaptations to expand access and increase engagement.

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Counsels and provides therapeutic interventions consistent with students’ documented needs and therapy goals, including those defined in areas of instructional and therapeutic focus and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP), using appropriate techniques within area of specialization.
• Collaborates with teachers and related service providers to develop or integrate personalized treatment plans and ensure a team approach, including participating in classroom and/or school-wide meetings.
• Schedules and coordinates suitable and safe creative arts therapy activities and interventions for students based on their needs, objectives and preferred forms of artistic expression in area(s) of specialization.
• Facilitates group activities in classrooms or other areas in the school, involving families or circles of support in group sessions, when appropriate.
• Assists students and circles of support with increasing independence by building coping skills and developing strategies for managing responses to socio-emotional difficulties.
• Evaluates, documents and monitors provision of services and students’ progress in a timely manner in line with policies of the organization, governing bodies and in language comprehensible to caregivers.
• Provides direction to the paraprofessionals, 1:1 Teacher Assistants, Teacher Assistants or related service providers during group activities, as necessary.
• Provides professional development to school staff in the area(s) of specialization.
• Maintains appropriate supplies, coordinates ordering when needed.
• Collaborates with leadership on programs related to curriculum, school-wide events and showcasing students’ art.
• Participates in weekly supervisions with supervisor to review caseload, discuss complex cases and/or escalate concerns.
• Completes summaries and reports relating to individual and group therapy sessions and related creative arts activities, including regular and semi-annual student progress reports.
• Communicates with families regarding therapy objectives and activities, providing updates and corresponding about activities, progress, etc.
• May provide supervision to individuals holding a Limited Permit to practice Creative Arts Therapy (issued by NYS Education Department), undergraduate and/or graduate interns or fieldwork students or interns.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Valid license and current registration as a Creative Arts Therapist issued by the NYS Department of Education (NYSED); and
• Registration and/or Board Certification as applicable for the area of specialization (e.g. Registered Art Therapist (ATR or ATR-BC), Board Certification in Music Therapy (MT-BC), Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT or BC-DMT);
• At least two (2) years of experience in a clinical capacity in area of specialization (art, music, dance, etc.);
• Exceptional interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills;
• Sound knowledge and ability to apply or use a variety of modalities of art applicable to area of specialization (e.g. visual art, musical instruments, voice, dancing, etc.).

Preferred Qualification Requirements

• Experience with or in any of the below areas:
• Medically complex children/children with multiple disabilities
• Special education and/or school or other educational setting
• Clinical improvisation in and/or flexibility in adapting interventions for a diverse group
• Formal training, professional development, experience or certification in modalities or therapies related to I/DD (neurological disorders, spectrum disorders, etc.)

Compensation

$70,000-$80,000 Salary

Company Information

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To ensure fairness, safeguard transparency, and promote an equitable workforce environment, YAI Network prohibits the practice of nepotism in the workforce and hiring process.