Expressive Therapist, Assisted Living

Hebrew Senior Life•Dedham, MA

45d

About The Position

The Expressive Therapist shall plan, implement and coordinate Expressive Therapy programs for residents in the Memory Support Assisted Living. This position is responsible for developing varied therapeutic programs that meet the physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs of the residents and positively contributes to their quality of life. The Expressive Therapist also serves as an integral part of an interdisciplinary team made up of (but not limited to) program coordinators, expressive therapists, nursing, administrative and social service associates. 5 days per week, inclusive of every/other Sunday

Requirements

Masters in Expressive Arts Therapy- any modality, although Art Therapy is preferred.
Minimum of 1 year experience in working with geriatric population.
Demonstrates proficiency in group leadership and group dynamics.
Demonstrates fluency within various art modalities.
Must demonstrate multicultural awareness and experience working with the geriatric population.
Must be professional, proactive, collaborative, conscientious and results-oriented individual.
Must have an optimistic and positive demeanor, excellent oral and written communication skills, good intuition and able to adapt to changing priorities and display good, sound judgment with a sense of humor.
Superb organizational skills. Must have solid analytical skills.
Must be creative and proactive yet disciplined, and able to streamline work volume in order to maintain bottom line efforts in midst of multi-tasking and daily re-prioritizing.
Must have ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, manage multiple projects simultaneously and handle even difficult situations.
Must be motivated to learn and flexible to change.
Computer literacy required.
Must be able to lift, push and pull 25 pounds and have the ability to transport and assist residents' as needed.
Be able to stand during scheduled work times.
Commit to the organization's core values of respect, dignity and empowerment.
Be available to build trusting relationships with the residents, team members and colleagues.
Be comfortable using a variety of expressive art modalities
Listen attentively; speak respectfully. Promote an "emotional" connection.
Commit to providing the highest quality of preparation and presentation
Accept responsibility for all tasks assigned
Be able to stand during scheduled work times
Follow all work and safety rules
Commit to making contributions to fellow team members as needed
Accept changes in working venue, schedule, or tasks assigned
Sensitive to issues of aging, needs of the memory loss resident and diverse populations and cultures.
Ability to be flexible with work assignments, other departments and schedule changes.
Ability to follow written and spoken English.
Ability to work as a team player, promoting good relations with other managers, co-workers, families and residents.

Responsibilities

Develop imaginative and varied therapeutic programs that take into account the preferences and unique strengths of each resident. Continuously adapt programs to meet changes in cognitive or physical abilities.
Lead therapeutic programs for memory support residents, including active art-making in a group setting.
Lead intellectually stimulating presentation-style programs for traditional assisted living residents (art history talks, for example).
Work collaboratively with programming teams to facilitate community-wide gatherings and special events.
Initial and on-going assessment of residents for the appropriate group assignments.
Assist in orientation of new residents to the NewBridge community.
Follow through on program goals and objectives as established by the team.
Maintain an open line of communication with other staff, volunteers, interns, outside service providers, and families.
Provide in-service trainings for the memory support community on the structure of a therapeutic program for persons with dementia.
May supervise or mentor interns
Participate in the implementation of service plans.
Observe and report any change in health or mental status of residents.
Coordinate and participate in 1:1 sessions with residents.
Implement community outings on a regular basis.
Maintain and organize stock of supplies and arrange entertainment within parameters of budget.
Participate in quantitative and qualitative research
May collaborate with the Multigenerational team to execute various multigenerational programs.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested from time to time by supervisor or other managers.