PALS Creative Arts Therapist

YWCA Union County; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

YWCA Union County is seeking a Creative Arts Therapist to provide individual, group, and family creative arts therapies within the PALS program. The role includes intake, assessment, treatment planning, and collaboration with shelter staff to meet the needs of children and families.

Evening/weekend availability and a flexible schedule are required. The position requires a Master's in creative art therapy, ATR-BC or eligibility, and prior counseling experience; Spanish bilingual skills are a

Qualifications

• Master's degree in creative art therapy or equivalent.
• Must be Board Certified (ATR-BC) or eligible.
• Must have prior counseling and/or clinical experience.
• Experience with children, domestic violence, and/or trauma survivors strongly preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural a substantive plus.
• Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation.
• Maintain flexibility in schedule to meet client needs.
• Be available for some evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake assessments with each child.
• Assist in administering psychological tests to children enrolling in the PALS program.
• Create individualized treatment plan for each child.
• Work cooperatively with PALS staff (case manager, counselor).
• Provide individual, group and family creative arts therapies.
• Ensure age-appropriate safety planning is integrated into sessions.
• Educate parents about dynamics of domestic violence and effects on children.
• Attend staff meetings and training.
• Submit client records and reports timely and professionally.
• Coordinate services with other YWCA programs.
• Represent agency in external/internal committees.

Skills

Bilingual in Spanish

Counseling experience

Verbal & written communication

Public speaking

Driver's license

Education

Master's degree in creative art therapy

Board Certified (ATR-BC) or eligible

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Title: Creative Arts Therapist

Department: PALS
Supervisor: PALS Director

Effective Date: January 2026
Status: Part-time

Grade: Non-exempt

SUMMARY

The Creative Arts Therapist is a direct service position that has the responsibility for the provision of creative arts therapy within the YWCA Eastern Union County PALS Program. The areas of focus are creative arts therapy (dance/movement, drama, art) individual and group, intake and assessment, parent education, and documentation. All positions within the shelter will be trained for answering the hotline, and for coverage of backup shifts.

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SPECIALIZED TRAINING

• Master's degree in creative art therapy or equivalent.
• Must be Board Certified (ATR-BC) or eligible.
• Must have prior counseling and/or clinical experience.
• Experience with children, domestic violence, and/or trauma survivors very strongly preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural a substantive plus
• Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation.
• Maintain flexibility in schedule to meet client needs.
• Be available for some evenings and weekends.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Intake & Assessment

• Conduct intake assessments with each child.
• Assist in administering psychological tests to children enrolling in the PALS program.
• Create individualized treatment plan for each child.
• Work cooperatively with PALS staff (case manager, counselor) so as to ensure that each child's needs are met in a holistic and appropriate manner.

Creative Arts Work

• Provide individual, group and family creative arts therapies to participants of the Organization PALS program.
• Ensure that age-appropriate safety planning is integrated into creative arts sessions where possible and appropriate.
• Ensure that age-appropriate information regarding respectful behavior and healthy boundaries is integrated into creative arts sessions where possible and appropriate.

Parent Education

• Educate parents, where appropriate, regarding the dynamics of domestic violence and the effects of witnessing on children.
• Educate parents, where appropriate, regarding non-violent strategies for parenting children who have been traumatized.
• Encourage parent-child and sibling-sibling bonding through participation in family-based creative art therapy sessions.

Training & Supervision

• Attend weekly/monthly staff meetings and supervisory meetings.
• Participate in YWCA 40-hour training, community and professional training as needed.

Documentation

• Provide and maintain adequate client records and reports.
• Submit information and reports in a timely and professional manner.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Attend team meetings, conferences and training courses as directed.
• Participate in YWCA events, programs and volunteer/professional 40-hour training.
• Coordinate services with other YWCA programs to ensure holistic and comprehensive services to families.
• Represent agency in external committees as needed.
• Represent PALS in internal committees as needed.
• Provide transportation if needed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• All positions will be trained to answer the hotline and for shelter shift coverage.

This job description is a broad outline of the responsibilities and duties that will be amended as needed to meet the program priorities of the YWCA Union County and their ensuring work requirements. It should not be construed as a contract.

The Mission of the YWCA-Union County

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

YWCA Eastern Union County Core Values

• Commitment to the mission and working together for the well-being of the community.
• Integrity in relationships, practices, and decisions.
• Respect for each one’s roles, diversity, and viewpoints.
• Compassion in understanding, attitude, and action.
• Empowerment to create positive choices, recognize potential, and reach goals.
• Excellence in practice and expectation.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The YWCA of Eastern Union County is an equal opportunity employer and shall provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment.

The YWCA of Eastern Union County does not discriminate in providing appropriate services or other assistance based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, handicap, and/or financial status. (Approved 2002)