Art Therapist

J oin our dynamic and diverse team of professionals making an impact!

LifeBridge Community Services is a leading non-profit organization in Fairfield County committed to partnering with individuals, youth, and families to improve well-being, strengthen resilience and create a brighter future. By providing a combination of behavioral health services, youth development, and asset-building resources – as well as meals for seniors and interpreting services statewide – our impact strengthens our community. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive team where employees feel a sense of belonging and are valued for their contributions and perspectives. In all our interactions, whether with clients, colleagues, or community members, we strive to be respectful, transparent, collaborative, deliberate and impactful.

As one of eight outpatient Urban Trauma Centers in Connecticut, and member of the Urban Trauma Network (UTN), LifeBridge receives coaching, training, technical assistance, and fidelity monitoring from the Urban Trauma-Performance Improvement Center to enhance clinical competencies to best serve the community.

Job Purpose/Function: LifeBridge is seeking an experienced Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) to join our therapeutic treatment team. The ATR-BC will provide art therapy to provide the opportunity for non-verbal expressions and communication via the various media of art to further self-awareness and personal growth for the individual. The ATR-BC will support the integration of art therapy as a new treatment modality within LifeBridge's behavioral health department. This position will provide clinical services as both an ATR-BC and an LPC, with the ability to offer art therapy, as well as other evidence-based interventions (e.g., CBT, TF-CBT, DBT) based on client's needs and desires.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct client assessments and establish treatment goals.
• Develop and implement treatment plans with input from client.
• Plan and facilitate individual, family, and group sessions.
• Coordinate therapeutic art activities (for children and adults) for both large and small groups. Observe client responses and encourage engagement.
• Evaluate and document client's progress and the effectiveness of therapy interventions.
• Maintain accurate, clear, and complete documentation of all facets of a client's treatment in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Provide clients with information regarding resources and therapeutic art activities in the community.
• Coordinate client care with other members of the treatment team to ensure effective and efficient care delivery and the achievement of desired client outcomes.
• Deliver coordinated services that include assisting the client in accessing community support if needed.
• Participate in professional development training and individual and group supervision.
• Participate in peer review audit process to support continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Successfully meet agency patient access goals and metrics.

Authorities:

• Oversees the development and implementation of clients' treatment plans working with other members of the treatment team including medical personnel, and others charged with responsibility for the client's care.
• Determines and implements client engagement strategies to address ambivalence and empower change.
• Recommends changes in the client's level of care or treatment planning, including enrollment status in program, transfer to another LifeBridge clinician within the same program should that become necessary and referrals to agency medical personnel, with the input from the clinical supervisor.
• Exchanges client protected health information, in writing and verbally to persons noted in client's signed written consent.
• As a mandated reporter, contacts appropriate authorities if client is a danger to themselves, to others, or if notified (or suspicion exists) of abuse to a child or incapacitated adult.

Education and Experience Required:

• Master's Degree in Art Therapy from a program accredited by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA).
• Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) accredited by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Connecticut.
• Prior experience working with underserved and under-resourced children, adolescents (6-18 years old) and their family members who have experienced trauma and traumatic events preferred.
• Alignment with trauma-informed care delivery, practices, and principles.
• Alignment with client-centered, "unconditional positive regard" treatment approach.
• Must be able to demonstrate effective understanding of clinical art therapy and mental health and counseling principles and practices.
• Hands-on experience with computer and electronic health record systems.
• Must have strong oral and written communications skills, and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization and with all stakeholders.
• Exceptional time-management skills.
• Ability to represent LifeBridge in a professional and positive way.

Employees enjoy a wide array of family-friendly benefits that make up our competitive compensation package. We are proud to offer a generous benefit package. Highlights include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Employer paid STD
• Employer paid LTD
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Account
• 403B
• Generous " up front" Paid Time Off