ART THERAPY TEACHER

Art Therapy Teacher

Under general supervision of the Director of Therapeutic Services, the incumbent is responsible for planning, designing and implementing the art therapy program to meet the educational and therapeutic needs of the students. Duties include developing and planning therapeutic arts and crafts activities in group settings adapted to meet student needs and abilities and aligned with the classroom teaching themes; selecting, maintaining and ordering art supplies and equipment; and providing lessons which are geared toward students' abilities through the use of adaptations, modifications and accommodations. It is important to note that while providing art therapy classes, the therapist is responsible for the supervision of a student(s) that may require the ability to keep up with a running student and or to lift or assist with lifting the student. This is essential to perform this task. An important aspect of the job is gaining general knowledge of and addressing students' Individual Education Plan goals and objectives during art program activities.

In accordance with the federal wage-hour laws, this is a salaried position and is not subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act's (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.

Other Performance Measures

Successful performance on the job requires following safety guidelines and policies to reduce accident or injury to self or students, school dress standards, proper attendance and leave policies and compliance with other policies set forth in the Employee Handbook. Creativity, initiative and effective problem solving is also important to the success of the incumbent. Attend and participate in weekly team, staff and development meetings; read and accept responsibility for weekly staff notes and all policies and procedures. Complete all paperwork accurately and timely. Perform bus duty detail as assigned. Support the overall school mission through volunteer opportunities and contribute to the smooth operation of the school day.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Plan, design, organize and direct art therapy activities, incorporating a theme-based learning approach.
• Encourage students to take part in the arts and crafts sessions by supporting their creativity.
• Assess students' reactions to various experiences.
• Plan, design, and facilitate the annual student art show.
• Research, select and purchase supplies and equipment that is appropriate for the students.
• Facilitate positive changes in the behavior and wellbeing of each student.
• Collaborate with other members of the educational team in planning art therapy activities in accordance with students' therapeutic needs, capabilities and interests.
• Supervise and direct classroom staff to provide needed supports to students attending art therapy class.
• Plan, create and maintain a schedule of student art classes.
• Provide arts and crafts activities appropriate to the developmental needs of students while maintaining attention to age appropriate activities.
• Design and create activities that interface with the theme-based topics chosen by the classroom teachers.
• Create opportunities to display student work that enhance and maintain the physical environment of the school.
• Order and maintain supplies as needed to meet the needs of the theme-based educational program.
• Ability to facilitate student's work.
• Ability to exert moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, kneeling, crouching, crawling and brisk walking, and which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (45 lbs.).
• Ability to lift and position physically disabled individuals may be required.
• Most tasks require oral communication, visual and hearing perception, and the ability to get around the classrooms, cafeteria, gym, facility, etc.
• The ability to keep up with running children and or to lift or assist with lifting students is essential.
• Maintain confidentiality of parent, student and staff personal identifiable information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge and understanding of students with intellectual disabilities, autism and multiple disabilities.

Knowledge of the current Federal guidelines for Special Education.

Knowledge of the basic principles and elements of art.

Knowledge of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and graphic design.

Ability to assess the needs of the student by listening and providing guidance.

Ability to research lesson ideas and adapt them to the abilities of individual students.

Ability to independently problem solve and navigate the steps needed to accomplish the tasks of the position.

Ability to create art activities that interface with the theme-based topics chosen by the classroom teachers.

Requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Successful completion of the required training courses within a specified period of time.

Tuberculosis screening to assure no significant risk to the health and safety of others.

Successfully passing a criminal background investigation and pre-employment and random drug screenings.

COVID Vaccine (s)

Examples of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of art education including both individual and group techniques.

Knowledge of procedures, activities, and equipment used in art therapy.

Knowledge of assessment and evaluation.

Ability to instruct students and manage their behaviors.

Ability to interpret and follow instructions furnished verbally, in writing, diagram, or schedule form.

Ability to read, interpret, and follow safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence using English grammar and spelling.

Sensory Requirements

Most tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds.

Minimum Acceptable Education and Experience

Completion of a bachelor's degree program in Special Education, Recreational, Art Therapy, or related field; prior experience working with students with intellectual disabilities, autism and multiple disabilities is preferred.

Hours of Work - 7:50 AM to 3:10 PM – Wednesday

7:50 AM to 4:00 PM – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Mobility

Physical Effort

Activity

% of Day

Lifting: Amt of Weight

% of task required

Stand

15

Up to 10 lbs.

10

Walk

15

Up to 20 lbs.

10

Sit

60

Up to 45 lbs.

10

Bend

10

More than 100 lbs.

no

Climb stairs

15

Balance

100

Push/Pull: Amt of Weight

% of task required

Stoop

20

Up to 10 lbs.

10

Kneel

10

Up to 20 lbs.

10

Talk

100

Up to 45 lbs.

10

Hear

100

More than 100 lbs.

no

Ability to perform a 2-person transfer.

Vision Ability

Activity

% of time task required

Close vision

100

Distance vision

100

Color vision

100

Peripheral vision

100

Depth perception

100

Ability to adjust and focus

100

Manual or Finger Dexterity

Activity