Expressive Arts Therapist

Benefits and Salary

At Bluestone, we prioritize our employees and their wellbeing. We provide competitive benefit options to our employees and their families, including domestic partners.

• Hourly rate starting at $22 per hour.
• Comprehensive health and Rx plans.
• Wellness program including free preventative care.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• 50% tuition reduction at Case Western Reserve University for the MSW program.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match.
• Pet insurance.
• Employer‑paid life insurance and long‑term disability.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Support for continuing education and credential renewal.
• Ancillary benefits including dental, vision, voluntary life, short‑term disability, hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness.
• Flexible Spending Account for Health and Dependent Care.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; Master’s degree preferred.
• Licensure/Certification (must be licensed or certified in one of the following):
  • Recreational Therapy (CRTS required)
  • Music Therapy (CBMT required)
  • Dance/Movement Therapy (R‑DMT or BC‑DMT required)
  • Art Therapy (ATR‑BC required)
  • Occupational Therapy (OT licensed required)
  • Yoga Therapy (C‑IAYT required)
  • Other therapies with verified State or National certifications.
• Current CPR and first aid certification required.
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year with at‑risk youth, developmental disabilities, autism, or psychiatric/behavioral health nursing highly desirable.
• Skills:
  • Group facilitation and time‑management skills.
  • Ability to implement crisis intervention skills and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
  • Basic computer skills; electronic health record experience preferred.
  • Additional languages beyond English preferred.

Position Summary

The Expressive Arts Therapist is part of an interdisciplinary patient treatment team, responsible for planning and facilitating therapeutic recreational groups and activities. The therapist conducts patient assessments and screenings, assists with contacting community providers, participates in treatment planning, and creates medically‑ and socially‑appropriate recreation activities to support patients’ physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Perform initial patient assessment upon admission and scheduled reassessments.
• Create a care plan based on the patient’s initial assessment, progress, age, diagnosis, and developmental level.
• Revise care plans as indicated by the patient’s response and evaluate overall effectiveness daily.
• Complete specialized screeners.
• Plan, prepare, and organize group or individual recreation activities appropriate for the milieu.
• Plan, prepare, and organize specialized activities for weekends and holidays.
• Provide care appropriate to the condition for a pediatric or adolescent population.
• Document patient progress, participation, and response to activities in the medical record per current standards and policies.
• Observe and communicate pertinent information regarding patient mental status, behavior, and negative responses to treatment or intervention to physician and appropriate health‑care team members.
• Communicate with community providers.
• Engage in therapeutic relationships that focus on patient needs and provide a structured process for patients to reach objectives outlined in the care plan.
• Coordinate and supervise patient care as necessary.
• Protect clients from physical and emotional harm by using the Therapeutic Crisis Model of Intervention and physical restraints as necessary.
• Demonstrate all applicable competencies and participate in periodic re‑evaluation.
• Communicate appropriately and clearly to the Nurse Executive, physicians, and co‑workers.
• Concur with treatment team members for the benefit of the patient.
• Consult other departments as appropriate to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Treat patients and families with respect and dignity; provide emotional support.
• Support and maintain a culture of safety and quality.
• Function as a patient and family advocate at all times.
• Orient new staff members and volunteers.
• Demonstrate flexibility, organization, and the ability to function under stressful situations.
• Maintain good working relationships within the department and with other departments.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Adhere to all hospital policies.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in basic computer programs, including the hospital’s electronic health record.
• Complete annual education requirements.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing training.
• Maintain regulatory requirements, including all federal, state, local regulations and accrediting organization standards.
• Respect patient privacy and maintain confidentiality of all information obtained during treatment.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Meet dress code standards; appearance is professional, neat, and clean.
• Wear identification while on duty.
• Use the computerized timekeeping system correctly.
• Keep all required trainings, certifications, and licensure current per applicable regulations.
• Represent the organization positively and professionally.
• Actively participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Comply with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicate the mission, ethics, and goals of the hospital and its departments.
• Maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct and adhere to all policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.