Expressive Therapist

Chicago Behavioral Hospital; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 3,168,000 - 3,582,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) + matching

Health Insurance

Life insurance (100% company-paid up t

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Long term disability insurance (100%)

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Cafeteria on site + discounted meals

Employee engagement events

Employee assistance program

Employee recognition program

Free parking

Job summary

Chicago Behavioral Hospital in Des Plaines, IL is seeking an Expressive Therapist to plan and execute engaging activity services for patients, contributing to their treatment goals and well‑being.

The role involves leading expressive therapy groups, observing patient functioning, documenting progress, and developing individualized plans in collaboration with a broader care team. A relevant degree with licensure is preferred and a competency exam is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s in Art/Dance/Drama/Music Therapy or related field with licensure preferred.
• One year of related experience in psychiatric patient care preferred.
• Must pass a competency exam upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate expressive therapy groups using art, music, recreation, movement and other creative interventions to support treatment goals.
• Observe and assess patients' functioning across multiple domains and apply clinical judgment.
• Document changes in appearance, mood, participation, and progress toward goals.
• Develop individualized and group-based expressive therapy plans for assigned patients.
• Model and teach social skills, emotion regulation, coping strategies, and healthy leisure behaviors.
• Support patients toward higher independence and community integration.
• Contribute to treatment planning with measurable goals and progress updates.

Skills

Expressive therapy

Psychiatric patient care

Clinical observation

Education

ART/DA/MT degree or related

Tools

Competency exam

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Chicago Behavioral Hospital - Des Plaines, IL 60016
• Salary Range: $23.00 - $26.00 Hourly

JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST!

How will you make a difference?

Join our dynamic team at Chicago Behavioral Hospital and make a difference as an Expressive Therapist! In this role, you'll have the opportunity to plan and execute engaging activity services for our patients, contributing directly to their treatment goals and overall well-being. As a valued member of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide continuous care, interaction, and positive role modeling to patients, fostering an environment conducive to healing and growth. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact in behavioral healthcare, we want to hear from you!

Your Work Matters

• Facilitate therapeutic expressive therapy groups utilizing art, music, recreation, movement, and other creative interventions to support treatment goals.
• Observe and assess patients' physical, emotional, behavioral, and social functioning, applying sound clinical judgment to identify patient needs.
• Document and communicate changes in patients' appearance, behavior, mood, participation, and progress toward treatment goals.
• Complete assessments related to psychosocial functioning, leisure interests, coping skills, and recreational strengths and deficits.
• Develop and implement individualized and group-based expressive therapy interventions for assigned patient populations.
• Model and teach appropriate social skills, emotional regulation, coping strategies, stress management techniques, and healthy leisure behaviors.
• Assist patients in achieving their highest level of independent functioning and community integration.
• Contribute to treatment planning with measurable goals, interventions, and progress updates related to expressive therapy services.
• Maintain a therapeutic milieu that promotes patient safety, engagement, recovery, and positive behavioral outcomes.

Your Experience Matters

• Education/Licensure: Bachelor's or Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Art Therapy (ATR, ATR-P, ATR-BC, ATCS), Dance/Movement Therapy (R-DMT, BCDMT), Drama Therapy (P-RDT, RDT), Music Therapy (MT-BC), Occupational Therapy (OTR/L, OTD), Recreational Therapy (CTRS), Yoga Therapy (C-IAYT) or related therapeutic discipline with an LPC/LCPC or LSW/LCSW preferred.
• Experience: One (1) year of related experience, with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques and understanding of mental illness, preferred.
• Additional Requirements: Must pass a competency exam upon hire. May need to work evenings, weekends, holidays, flexible hours, and overtime.

Your Care Matters

• 401(k) + matching
• Health Insurance
• 100% company-paid life insurance coverage up to 2x your annual salary
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 100% company-paid long term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Cafeteria on site + discounted meals
• Employee engagement events
• Employee assistance program
• Employee recognition program
• Free parking

What sets us apart

• Career & training development opportunities
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment
• Engaged management team dedicated to your success
• A guiding mission and set of values that serve as both our northstar and yours, anchoring our collective purpose and aspirations

Disclaimer: Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of Chicago Behavioral Hospital.

The expected compensation range for this role is $23.00 - $26.00 an hour. We’re eager to engage with all qualified candidates, and consideration will be provided to experience and skill level. Join us as our Expressive Therapist!

Qualifications

Get to know us Outstanding Care, Compassionate People, Unparalleled Service

Discover a fulfilling career at Chicago Behavioral Hospital (CBH).

Welcome to the heart of mental health treatment innovation in Des Plaines, Illinois! CBH, a cutting-edge 150-bed inpatient facility, is the leading provider of exceptional therapeutic care, prioritizing patient comfort and safety.

At CBH, we go beyond inpatient care by offering an outpatient partial hospitalization program, ensuring continuous support while respecting the rhythm of daily lives. Our commitment to accessible care knows no bounds, as we emphasize availability irrespective of one's ability to pay.

Join us in providing exceptional care and contributing to the well-being of individuals and families in need and be a part of the transformative healthcare experience at Chicago Behavioral Hospital.

To learn more about CBH, visit us at: https://www.chicagobehavioralhospital.com/

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE POSITIVE I.M.P.A.C.T.S.

Individuals Maintaining Positive Attitude and Commitment To Service

At Chicago Behavioral Hospital, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.