Creative Arts Therapy Intern

The Kennedy Collective•Bridgeport, CT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Creative Arts Therapy Intern supports expressive arts and therapeutic programming for individuals served by The Kennedy Collective while completing an approved academic internship or practicum as part of a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program. Under the supervision of qualified staff, the intern assists with art-based interventions, individualized supports, documentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities for individuals to explore creative expression, develop artistic skills, and participate in community and enterprise initiatives.

Requirements

Current enrollment in Albertus Magnus College's Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Program.
Demonstrated interest, academic preparation, or experience in art therapy, counseling, expressive arts, human services, or disability supports.
Ability to use varied art media safely and creatively, and willingness to learn adaptive approaches that support participant choice, independence, and creative expression.
Ability to communicate clearly in oral and written form and work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet-based tools.
Must complete and maintain required agency, internship, PMT, CPR, and safety certifications or trainings as applicable to placement requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in art, psychology, counseling, human services, expressive therapies, or related field, or as required by the academic program.
Experience working with people with disabilities or in a human services, therapeutic, educational, or community arts setting.
Experience working with culturally diverse populations; bilingual skills preferred.
Valid driver license and satisfactory driving record if community-based transportation or travel is required for assignment.

Responsibilities

Assist in planning, preparing, and facilitating creative arts therapy-informed groups and individual art experiences using varied media, techniques, and themes appropriate to participant interests and support needs.
Support art experiences that interface respectfully with clinical, behavioral, sensory, and person-centered goals under direction of the Manager of Art Innovations, supervising clinician, or assigned program supervisor.
Create a supportive studio environment by preparing materials, maintaining supplies, promoting safe use of tools, and helping participants access the appropriate medium, tool, paper, adaptive support, or theme for success.
Observe participant engagement and communicate relevant observations to the supervisor or interdisciplinary team in accordance with agency and internship documentation expectations.
Assist with the development and implementation of art curriculums, projects, exhibitions, seasonal markets, enterprise initiatives, and community-based opportunities as assigned.
Support participant choice, creative expression, independence, and skill development while maintaining a respectful, person-centered approach.
Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and accurate documentation consistent with The Kennedy Collective standards, funding requirements, and internship program expectations.
Participate in supervision, feedback, training, and reflective learning activities connected to the internship placement.
Collaborate with program staff to promote a productive, professional, inclusive, and respectful work environment.
Participate in required in-service, internship, agency, DDS, safety, and compliance trainings as assigned.
Provide direct support to individuals as appropriate to placement, training, and supervision, which may include assistance with activities of daily living when assigned and properly trained.
Maintain open communication with supervisors, program staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary team as relevant to individual needs and internship responsibilities.
Perform additional duties, projects, and learning assignments as requested by supervisor.