Creative Arts Therapist Licensed (LCAT) - Education Services

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Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Conducts therapy groups and individual therapy sessions for school-aged students with I/DD and/or multiple disabilities in area(s) of specialization implementing therapeutic interventions consistent with students’ documented needs and therapy goals, including those defined in areas of instructional and therapeutic focus and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP), using appropriate techniques within area of specialization.

• Regularly collaborates with teachers and related service providers to develop or integrate personalized treatment plans and ensure a team approach, including participating in classroom and/or school-wide meetings. 

• Develops, schedules and coordinates suitable and safe creative arts therapy activities and interventions for students based on their needs, objectives and preferred forms of artistic expression in area(s) of specialization. 

• Implements creative arts activities that facilitate goals such as sensory stimulation, memory recall, free experiences, socialization, etc. within the programmatic design and modifies accordingly to ensure students reach maximal capabilities.

• Adapts creative arts materials and activities to ensure access for all students using various mediums and techniques to promote engagement and inclusion. 

• Provides creative arts therapy or facilitates group activities in classrooms or other areas in the school, involving families or circles of support in group sessions, 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 in line with policies of the organization, governing bodies and in language comprehensible to caregivers.

• 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 and in the appropriate format(s). 

• 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 (issued by NYS Education Department), undergraduate and/or graduate interns or fieldwork students or interns.

• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Experienced LCATs may be selected for assignment as CAT Coordinator and will perform the following tasks, in addition to the above:

• 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.  

• Conducts regular CAT team meetings with related therapists, including other mental health or other staff and/or leadership as needed to discuss goals, themes, students and collaborate for events.

• Plans and creates schedules for CAT activities, therapies and assemblies, identifying students for participation and coordinating with other staff including leadership team, as needed. 

• Communicates with families on behalf of CAT and/or Social, Family or Support Services team(s) regarding therapy, progress, assemblies, etc.

• 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. 

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

• Valid license and current registration as a Creative Arts Therapist issued by the NYS Department of Education (NYSED); and

• 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); and

• At least two (2) years of experience in a clinical capacity in area of specialization (art, music, dance, etc.); and

• 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.

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• 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.)

Compensation:

$70,000-$80,000 Salary

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. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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