St. Louis Art Works
The Art Therapist is responsible for leading ArtWorks apprentices through a variety of activities to address topics including self-esteem, outlook on life, and overall well-being. The Art Therapist will serve as a communication bridge between apprentices, staff and teaching artists when issues arise requiring a third party to work toward a solution. The Art Therapist will also support the personal needs of apprentices and reinforce feelings of understanding and respect.
Essential Functions:
- Provide insight to program staff and input on curriculum to ensure that program activities are providing adequate structure, safeguards, and/or opportunities for participants to address or improve their wellbeing. The art therapist shall provide a bridge of understanding of emotional needs of the youth with the staff and teaching artists.
- Lead mindfulness exercises, therapeutic art activities, and team meetings around improving mental wellness outcomes for youth
- Develop ideas and strategies for what may need to be done.
- Talk with participants during regular programming and individual assessment sessions to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to the artistic process.
- Document activities of the participants, staff, and teaching artist to summarize progress.
- Conduct information sharing sessions, such as in-service workshops for participants, families and/or staff as
- Provide referrals to community resources as needed.
- Work with staff and Teaching Artists to identify strengths, success, concerns, and challenges impacting the youth.
- Assist in administering evaluation tools
- Responsible for providing Assistant Director and Grants Manager with grant reports and preparation of grant materials in a timely manner
- Maintains detailed records of youth therapy reports and submit required grant reports
Programming takes place after school (3:30 pm – 6:00 pm) and on Saturday (10:00 am – 3:30 pm) during the school year and for five days a week, for six weeks during the summer (9:00 am – 3:30 pm). Art Therapist is contracted for approximately 15 hours a week for 13 weeks in the spring and fall and approximately 30 hours a week for 6 weeks in the summer.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience in providing therapeutic art activities to youth including wellness exercises designed to reduce stress
- Experience working with a teen audience in out of school program setting
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team
- Artistic abilities, creativity, imagination and enthusiasm
- Ability to provide a trusting, open, kindhearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills
- Empathy with and commitment to helping people from all walks of life
- Comfort with technology; ability to conduct work with youth via video conference, if necessary
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
- Collaborative working style
- Willing to assist in the implementation of all program activities
Knowledge
- Understanding of nonprofit sector, its issues and challenges
- Technical skills: Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Gmail and Google Suite
Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Counseling/Social Work/related discipline
ATR Credentials
Application Information
Please send a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to Executive Director, Jacqueline Dace, via email at jdace@stlartworks.org. St. Louis ArtWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
