Creative Arts Therapist- Licensed (LCAT) - Education Services

YAI • New York, NY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This role involves conducting therapy groups and individual therapy sessions for school-aged students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and/or multiple disabilities. The therapist will implement therapeutic interventions consistent with students’ documented needs and therapy goals, including those defined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Collaboration with teachers and related service providers is essential for developing integrated treatment plans. The position requires developing, scheduling, and coordinating creative arts therapy activities, adapting materials and activities for student engagement and inclusion, and providing therapy in classrooms or other school areas. The therapist will also assist students in building coping skills and developing strategies for managing socio-emotional difficulties, evaluate and document services and progress, and provide direction to paraprofessionals and assistants. Professional development for school staff and maintenance of equipment and supplies are also key responsibilities. Experienced LCATs may take on the role of CAT Coordinator, overseeing the CAT team, planning activities, and coordinating with leadership and families. The role also involves communication with families and staff regarding therapy objectives, activities, and progress.

Requirements

• Valid license and current registration as a Creative Arts Therapist issued by the NYS Department of Education (NYSED).
• 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 medically complex children/children with multiple disabilities.
• Experience in special education and/or school or other educational setting.
• Experience with 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

• Conducts therapy groups and individual therapy sessions for school-aged students with I/DD and/or multiple disabilities.
• Implements therapeutic interventions consistent with students’ documented needs and therapy goals, including those defined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Regularly collaborates with teachers and related service providers to develop or integrate personalized treatment plans.
• Develops, schedules and coordinates suitable and safe creative arts therapy activities and interventions for students.
• Implements creative arts activities that facilitate goals such as sensory stimulation, memory recall, free experiences, socialization, etc.
• Adapts creative arts materials and activities to ensure access for all students using various mediums and techniques.
• Provides creative arts therapy or facilitates group activities in classrooms or other areas in the school, involving families or circles of support 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.
• 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.
• 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, undergraduate and/or graduate interns or fieldwork students or interns.
• Oversees and coordinates activities of the Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) team by overseeing caseload, planning and scheduling activities, ensuring facilitation of scheduled activities and confirming completion of progress reports consistent with all applicable requirements or timelines (for CAT Coordinator role).
• Conducts regular CAT team meetings with related therapists, including other mental health or other staff and/or leadership as needed (for CAT Coordinator role).
• Plans and creates schedules for CAT activities, therapies and assemblies, identifying students for participation and coordinating with other staff (for CAT Coordinator role).
• Communicates with families on behalf of CAT and/or Social, Family or Support Services team(s) regarding therapy, progress, assemblies, etc. (for CAT Coordinator role).
• Provides updates regarding CAT activities and therapies to staff in other departments, including regular updates during recurring staff meetings and serves as primary contact for CAT in assigned school (for CAT Coordinator role).

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical and dental insurance (with options for family and more extensive medical plans, as well as vision)
• Paid Time Off and School Holidays
• 403(b) retirement with employer match
• Life insurance and long-term disability

What This Job Offers

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