Creative Arts Assistnat- Education Services

YAI • New York, NY

3d

About The Position

This role provides assistance to Creative Arts Therapists (CATs) in conducting therapy groups and individual therapy sessions for school-aged students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and/or multiple disabilities. The assistant supports therapeutic interventions consistent with students’ documented needs and therapy goals. Responsibilities may include participating in classroom meetings, assisting with scheduling and coordination of creative arts activities, updating therapy schedules, and providing administrative support. The role may also involve adapting creative arts materials and activities for student access, preparing documents, tracking service provision and student progress, and providing direction to paraprofessionals during group activities as directed by the CAT. Additionally, the assistant may provide professional development to school staff in their area of specialization and monitor equipment and supplies. Collaboration with CATs and leadership on school-wide events and student art showcases is also part of the role.

Requirements

• Eligibility for Limited Permit for Creative Arts Therapy, consistent with New York State Education Department requirements
• Master’s degree (or higher) in Creative Arts Therapy or in area of specialization (e.g. art, music, dance, etc.)
• 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.).
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.)

Responsibilities

• Performs duties as directed by supervisor, which do not fall under the scope of practice for Creative Arts Therapy (CAT), as defined by New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions.
• Provides assistance to CATs conducting therapy groups and individual therapy sessions for school-aged students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and/or multiple disabilities in area(s) of specialization and supports therapeutic interventions consistent with students’ documented needs and therapy goals.
• May participate in classroom and/or school-wide meetings to maintain awareness of treatment plans, assist with scheduling and coordination of creative arts activities, updating therapy schedules as applicable or providing other administrative support.
• May assist in adapting creative arts materials and activities to ensure access for all students using various mediums and techniques to promote engagement and inclusion.
• May assist CAT with preparing or compiling documents and tracking 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.
• May provide direction to the paraprofessionals, 1:1 Teacher Assistants, Teacher Assistants or related service providers during group activities as directed by CAT.
• Provides professional development to school staff in the area(s) of specialization with appropriate credentials (e.g. board certification).
• Monitors the condition of all related equipment and materials and maintains appropriate supplies, coordinating ordering when needed.
• Collaborates with CATs and leadership regarding school-wide events and showcasing students’ art.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level