Art Therapy Teacher

St. Coletta of Greater Washington•Washington, DC

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Director of Therapeutic Services, the incumbent is responsible for planning, designing and implementing the art therapy program to meet the educational and therapeutic needs of the students. Duties include developing and planning therapeutic arts and crafts activities in group settings adapted to meet student needs and abilities and aligned with the classroom teaching themes; selecting, maintaining and ordering art supplies and equipment; and providing lessons which are geared toward students’ abilities through the use of adaptations, modifications and accommodations. It is important to note that while providing art therapy classes, the therapist is responsible for the supervision of a student(s) that may require the ability to keep up with a running student and or to lift or assist with lifting the student. This is essential to perform this task. An important aspect of the job is gaining general knowledge of and addressing students’ Individual Education Plan goals and objectives during art program activities. In accordance with the federal wage-hour laws, this is a salaried position and is not subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.

Requirements

Knowledge and understanding of students with intellectual disabilities, autism and multiple disabilities.
Knowledge of the current Federal guidelines for Special Education.
Knowledge of the basic principles and elements of art.
Knowledge of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and graphic design.
Ability to assess the needs of the student by listening and providing guidance.
Ability to research lesson ideas and adapt them to the abilities of individual students.
Ability to independently problem solve and navigate the steps needed to accomplish the tasks of the position.
Ability to create art activities that interface with the theme-based topics chosen by the classroom teachers.
Requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Successful completion of the required training courses within a specified period of time.
Tuberculosis screening to assure no significant risk to the health and safety of others.
Successfully passing a criminal background investigation and pre-employment and random drug screenings.
COVID Vaccine (s)
Knowledge of the principles and practices of art education including both individual and group techniques.
Knowledge of procedures, activities, and equipment used in art therapy.
Knowledge of assessment and evaluation.
Ability to instruct students and manage their behaviors.
Ability to interpret and follow instructions furnished verbally, in writing, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to read, interpret, and follow safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence using English grammar and spelling.
Most tasks require visual perception and discrimination.
Some tasks require oral communications ability.
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds.
Completion of a bachelor’s degree program in Special Education, Recreational, Art Therapy, or related field.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with students with intellectual disabilities, autism and multiple disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, design, organize and direct art therapy activities, incorporating a theme-based learning approach.
Encourage students to take part in the arts and crafts sessions by supporting their creativity.
Assess students’ reactions to various experiences.
Plan, design, and facilitate the annual student art show.
Research, select and purchase supplies and equipment that is appropriate for the students.
Facilitate positive changes in the behavior and wellbeing of each student.
Collaborate with other members of the educational team in planning art therapy activities in accordance with students’ therapeutic needs, capabilities and interests.
Supervise and direct classroom staff to provide needed supports to students attending art therapy class.
Plan, create and maintain a schedule of student art classes.
Provide arts and crafts activities appropriate to the developmental needs of students while maintaining attention to age appropriate activities.
Design and create activities that interface with the theme-based topics chosen by the classroom teachers.
Create opportunities to display student work that enhance and maintain the physical environment of the school.
Order and maintain supplies as needed to meet the needs of the theme-based educational program.
Ability to facilitate student’s work.
Ability to exert moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, kneeling, crouching, crawling and brisk walking, and which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (45 lbs.).
Ability to lift and position physically disabled individuals may be required.
Most tasks require oral communication, visual and hearing perception, and the ability to get around the classrooms, cafeteria, gym, facility, etc.
The ability to keep up with running children and or to lift or assist with lifting students is essential.
Maintain confidentiality of parent, student and staff personal identifiable information.
Other duties as assigned.
Attend and participate in weekly team, staff and development meetings; read and accept responsibility for weekly staff notes and all policies and procedures.
Complete all paperwork accurately and timely.
Perform bus duty detail as assigned.
Support the overall school mission through volunteer opportunities and contribute to the smooth operation of the school day.