Art Therapist - Therapeutic Art Studio

Jewish Family and Children's Services; Bala Cynwyd (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Family and Children's Services seeks an Art Therapist to develop and facilitate therapeutic art programming for diverse populations, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. The role supports studio operations, program development, and collaboration with agency leaders to ensure responsive, inclusive, and clinically informed programming.

The therapist will work primarily from the Therapeutic Art Studio at the Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center and at

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Art Therapy required; ATR-BC preferred.
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Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate high-quality art therapy programming.
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• Collaborate across departments and with community partners to support programming.
• Observe and assess participant needs and refer for additional supports when appropriate.
• Maintain clinical documentation per policy; handle sensitive cases.
• Supervise volunteers and practicum students; coordinate with local colleges.

Skills

Independent judgment

Technology literacy

Mental health knowledge

Communication

Empathy

Flexibility

Organizational skills

Initiative

Education

Master's in Art Therapy

ATR-BC preferred

2+ years of art therapy experience

Tools

Clinical documentation systems

Job description

Art Therapist, Therapeutic Art Studio

The Art Therapist develops, facilitates, and evaluates therapeutic art programming for children, older adults, individuals living with disabilities, and other identified populations served by JFCS and its community partners. This position works primarily from the Therapeutic Art Studio at the Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center, as well as other satellite locations of JFCS in the Philadelphia region. This role supports client engagement, program development, studio operations, and collaboration with agency leaders to create responsive, inclusive, and clinically informed programming.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate high-quality art therapy and expressive arts programming for diverse populations served by JFCS and its community partners.
• Collaborate across JFCS departments and with community partners to support coordinated, responsive, and engaging programming.
• Build positive relationships with participants across a range of personalities, abilities, needs, and levels of functioning while facilitating group and individual art therapy services.
• Introduce and guide participants in the use of a variety of art media and techniques, including paint, clay, fiber arts, mixed media, and other materials appropriate to participant interests and needs.
• Develop and facilitate new and existing expressive arts, socialization, and arts-and-crafts programs for older adults, vulnerable adults, children, and people living with disabilities (PLWD).
• Coordinate art showcases and other opportunities to celebrate and display artwork created by participants.
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the art studio, including maintaining supplies, preparing and resetting the space, organizing materials and equipment, supporting safe practices, and ensuring the studio remains clean, welcoming, and functional.
• Coordinate the distribution, inventory, and storage of art supplies at JFCS satellite locations.
• Observe and assess participant needs and recognize when additional supports, referrals, consultation, or clinical interventions may be appropriate.
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with JFCS policies and requirements, including appropriate use of the agency's behavioral health database.
• Provide guidance to staff, and supervision to volunteers, practicum students, and interns participating in programming, including supervision associated with partnerships with local colleges and universities.
• Participate actively in team meetings, case consultation, program planning, and discussions related to best practices, participant needs, and new programming opportunities, as well as agency-wide meetings and continuing education trainings.

Competencies

• Demonstrate sound independent judgment and the ability to work in a self-directed manner.
• Demonstrate comfort using technology and learning new systems.
• Exhibit an understanding of mental health disorders and the physical, psychological, and social needs of JFCS clients.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, listening, writing, and observational skills.
• Demonstrate creativity, intuition, imagination, and the ability to draw from a variety of art forms for different types of groups.
• Ability to handle sensitive and difficult issues.
• Demonstrate emotional strength and the ability to cope with challenging situations.
• Demonstrate empathy and the ability to gain clients' trust.
• Remain flexible and open to change.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and complete goals and initiatives

Qualifications/Education

• Must hold a Master's degree in Art Therapy from an accredited college or university.
• ATR-BC is preferred; ATR candidates working toward board certification will be considered. Certification or registration through a recognized state or national art therapy or expressive therapy credentialing body is also acceptable.
• Must have at least two years of relevant experience, including at least one year of continuous art therapy experience.
• Previous experience working with older adults, children, and individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience in working with trauma survivors, including Holocaust survivors and their descendants is preferred.
• Member of or knowledge and/or experience with Jewish culture, religion, and community structures and practices is preferred.
• Understanding of the DSM-5
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet programming needs, including evenings and weekends to accommodate the availability of individuals and families(schedule will be adjusted accordingly).
• Employee must have a car, a safe driving record on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state in which the employee is licensed to drive. Employee must provide a valid driver's license and proof of automobile liability insurance.
• Employee must pass a criminal background check, child abuse check and FBI fingerprint clearances.
• Must be able to perform the essential physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
  • Ability to bend down.
  • Ability to reach above head.

JFCS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications associated with the position.