Creative Arts Therapist - Full Time - Behavioral Health

Description Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better — advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change. The Creative Arts Therapist provides assessment, clinical counseling, and therapy services to patients across the inpatient hospital. The Creative Arts Therapist facilitates individual and group therapy as part of the multidisciplinary treatment team to assist patients in achieving treatment goals. Schedule: Monday – Friday; with behavioral healthcare experience preferred, one weekend day per pay period, holidays as needed, psychoeducational group experience preferred. Responsibilities Researches/utilizes evidence‑based counseling/expressive therapy practices for adolescents, adults, and older adults; develops programming to meet ongoing identified needs of patients. Works with the Clinical Social Services team to develop and facilitate experiential counseling/expressive therapy interventions that will contribute to inpatient treatment enhancement, such as expressive music/art/dance/movement therapy information sessions. Facilitates counseling/expressive therapy groups for inpatient units. Completes relevant creative arts therapy and social assessments. Provides individual counseling/expressive therapy treatment to assigned caseload. Works closely with LIPs, Nursing, MHT, Therapists, Group Counseling, OT, and Discharge Planners to develop treatment goals and strategies for assigned patients. Attends staff meetings, morning reports, and other treatment team meetings to report on treatment; educates team on potential enhancements and interventions to patients. Performs all essential duties and responsibilities of the Group Counselor position. In conjunction with the Group Counseling team, enters treatment plan goals and objectives in accordance with licensing standards. Maintains an up‑to‑date, accurate record of all patient and collateral contact. Enters discharge summaries, letters, and any other clinical documentation as needed into electronic health records. Meets weekly for clinical supervision as needed. Coordinates with the Unit Manager & Director of Clinical Social Services for purchasing expressive therapy materials and other related items. Responsible for the overall organization and maintenance of Creative Arts materials and expressive therapy storage spaces, where applicable. Maintains and tracks inventory of potentially dangerous items (i.e., scissors, glue, etc.). Enters, maintains, and oversees Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for licensing and regulatory requirements. Maintains current knowledge of developments within the field of one's specialization by attending in‑service programs, conferences or continuing education as required by the credentialing board of the Creative Arts Therapist's specialty (i.e. Art Therapy Credentials Board, Certification Board for Music Therapists, Dance/Movement Therapy Credentials Board, North American Drama Therapy Association, etc.) and pursuant to the New Jersey Administrative Code for Professional Counselors. Works professionally and cooperatively with all hospital staff and programs. Other duties and/or projects as assigned. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior. Qualifications Master's degree in Music, Counseling, Psychology, or a creative arts‑related field (Music Therapy, Art Therapy, or Dance/Movement Therapy). Minimum of 1 year of experience in a healthcare setting, with preferred experience in a behavioral health care setting. Clinical counseling skills (per job competencies). Patient population knowledge and skills (per job competencies). Advanced language skills. Basic mathematical skills. Intermediate critical thinking skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office platforms. Preferred Qualifications Experience in a behavioral health care setting. Credentials to supervise student interns and/or team members seeking licensure in art, music, or dance and movement therapy. Licenses and Certifications Required Art Therapy Registration and Board Certification or Music Therapist Board Certified. Licenses and Certifications Preferred Licensed Professional Art Therapist or Licensed Associate Art Therapist or Dance Movement Therapy Board Certification or Associate Counselor License or Professional Counselor License. Compensation and Benefits In addition to compensation for full‑time and part‑time (20+ hours per week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits. The posted rate of pay is a reasonable good‑faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market‑competitive total rewards package. Base compensation may differ based on factors such as: Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness. Experience: Years of relevant work experience. Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training. Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies. Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location. Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization. Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered. Some positions may also be eligible for performance‑based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Minimum rate: $69,534.40 annually. #J-18808-Ljbffr Hackensack Meridian Health