Creative Arts Therapist Licensed (LCAT) - Education Services

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Job description Summary:

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Conducts music therapy groups and individual music therapy sessions for school-aged students with I/DD and/or multiple disabilities in area(s) of specialization implementing 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.

• Regularly 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. 

• Develops, 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. 

• Implements creative arts activities that facilitate goals such as sensory stimulation, memory recall, free experiences, socialization, etc. within the programmatic design and modifies accordingly to ensure students reach maximal capabilities.

• Adapts creative arts materials and activities to ensure access for all students using various mediums and techniques to promote engagement and inclusion. 

• Provides creative arts therapy or 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.

• Ensures that therapy and related services are being provided with fidelity, therapy schedules are up-to-date and session notes, assessments and progress reports are completed in a timely manner and in the appropriate format(s). 

• 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.

• Monitors the condition of all related equipment and materials and maintains appropriate supplies, coordinating 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.

• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

• 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); and

• At least two (2) years of experience in a clinical capacity in area of specialization (art, music, dance, etc.); and

• 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.). 

• Willing to take initiative and highly flexible personality type.

• Skilled in conflict resolution with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Excellent observational and counseling skills. 

• Patient, empathetic, and creative team player with a passion and enthusiasm for working with school-aged children with disabilities. 

• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kindhearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation.

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• 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

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.

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