Art Therapist (Contractor)

We all face challenges and transitions in our lives, and when we do, we must be able to count on the strength of community for support. For the people of Los Angeles, Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) is that trusted source of support. We are a comprehensive network of services that welcomes individuals and families of all ages and identities to our full spectrum of care. Our highly trained staff and volunteers work closely with individuals and their loved ones to problem-solve and guide them on their paths to safety, security, wellness, and fulfillment.

JFSLA staff share in our mission and work towards our goals with the highest level of responsibility, professionalism, and integrity. JFS demonstrates our commitment to our staff by offering a comprehensive benefits package and a nurturing environment.

JFSLA is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. In recruiting for our team, we seek the unique contributions that individuals can bring from all backgrounds. We strive for a diverse team in order to better serve our clients and ensure our excellence as an organization in identifying, designing and delivering solutions.

Be part of our commitment and join our family. For more information on our philosophy and services, please tour our website

The Art Therapist will be responsible for providing art therapy groups to older adults in a senior center setting. Work as part of a team on a two-year pilot project to provide Older Adult Specialty Mental Health services embedded in a senior multipurpose center. Provide psychotherapeutic techniques in an art therapy group modality to help clients improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing. Art Therapist will need to have a strong understanding of visual art as well as demonstrate excellent communication, analytical, and group therapy skills.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in art therapy or counseling with additional coursework in art therapy.
• Certified by the art therapy credentials board (ATCB).
• 2+ years work experience as an art therapist.
• Sound knowledge of visual art and art therapy techniques and interventions.
• Excellent clinical skills, strongly embedded in both individual and group therapy modalities
• Ability to create/provide art therapy interventions for older adults.
• Strong group facilitation skills with prior experience
• Strong prior clinical experience working with older adults in a senior services or related setting required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent observational and counseling skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be computer literate in MS Office applications (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Culturally sensitive and able to work with multi-cultural client population
• Able to work in a non-judgmental manner and foster positive outcomes
• Able to maintain professional boundaries
• Must pass a criminal background check (Live Scan fingerprinting) prior to beginning employment

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team in enrolling clients in art therapy groups.
• Provide pre-post client assessments related to depression and anxiety for each group cycle to measure effectiveness
• Conduct group art therapy sessions with clients using various types of visual art, including drawing, sculpting, painting, ceramics, and clay modeling.
• Discuss clients’ artworks with them to process the meaning and emotions behind the artworks.
• Develop suitable art therapy programs for clients based on their needs, objectives, and preferred forms of artistic expression.
• Teach clients coping skills and strategies to enable them to deal with challenging and traumatic experiences.
• Maintain detailed records of patients' progress as well as observations made during art therapy sessions.
• Create a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes self-expression and personal growth
• Attend consultation meetings as needed with staff on project and maintain regular communication with senior center program director and intra-agency multi-disciplinary teams
• Exhibit a commitment to quality and process improvement

Jewish Family Service is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

This position reports to: Director, Multipurpose Senior Center