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.
Our offerings include:

• 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, critical illness
• Flexible Spending Account for Health and Dependent Care

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute, Master’s degree preferred.
• Acceptable Licensure/Certification:
  • Licensure and/or certification in one of the following areas is required:
    • 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); or
    • Other Therapies considered with verified State or National certifications.
  • Current CPR and first aid required.
• Experience: A minimum of one (1) year experience with at-risk youth, developmental disabilities, autism or psychiatric/behavioral health nursing highly desirable.
• Skills:
  • Must possess group facilitation skills and time management skills,
  • Ability to implement Crisis Intervention Skills, Therapeutic Communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and HIPPA compliance.
  • Basic computer skills. Electronic health record systems experience preferred.
  • Additional languages in addition to English preferred.

AGENCY SUMMARY: Bluestone is seeking dynamic healthcare professionals interested in bringing psychiatric care to a new level for children ages 6-17. Working in a brand new, 12 bed state-of-the-art facility, Bluestone staff will have a unique ability to direct patient care, employ best practices, and join a care network that promotes the best long-term outcomes for patients.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Expressive Arts Therapists is a part of the interdisciplinary patient treatment team and is responsible for planning and facilitating therapeutic recreational groups and activities.  Expressive Arts Therapist conducts patient assessments and screener, assists with contacting community providers, participates in the treatment plan process, and creates medically- and socially- appropriate recreation activities for the patients in order to assist in patients’ physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Perform an initial patient assessment upon admission and reassessments as per policy.
• Create a plan of care appropriate for the patient based on the patient’s initial assessment and progression, age, diagnosis and developmental level.
• Ability to revise plans of care as indicated by the patient's response to treatment and evaluates overall plan daily for effectiveness.
• Complete specialized screeners.
• Plan, prepare and organize group or individual recreation activities appropriate for the milieu and meeting the needs of the patients.
• Plan, prepare and organize specialized activities for the weekends and holidays.
• Provide care appropriate to condition for pediatric or adolescent population.
• Document patient progress, participation and response to activities appropriately in the medical record in accordance with current standards and policies.
• Observe and communicate pertinent information regarding patient mental status and behavior, occurrences, and/or negative response to treatment or intervention to physician and/or appropriate health care team members.
• Communicate with community providers.
• Engage in therapeutic relationships that focus on patient needs and provides a structured process for patients to reach objectives outlined in the plan of care.
• Coordinate and supervise patient care as necessary.
• Protect clients from physical and emotional harm emanating from themselves, others, or the environment including use of the Therapeutic Crisis Model of Intervention, utilizing physical restraints as necessary.
• Demonstrate all applicable competencies for the position and participates in periodic re-evaluation of such competencies.
• Communicate appropriately and clearly to the Nurse Executive, physicians, and co-workers.
• Concur with members of the treatment team for the benefit of the patient.
• Consult other departments as appropriate to provide for 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 the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintain a good working relationship within the department and with other departments.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adheres to all Hospital policies.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in using basic computer programs, including the Hospital’s electronic health record and other programs needed to complete the role.
• Completes annual education requirements.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision and on-going training.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all federal, state, local regulations and accrediting organization standards.
• Respect the privacy of patients and hold in confidence all information obtained during the patient’s treatment.  All patient-related documents should be handled in accordance with Agency guidelines on confidential material.
• Reports 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.
• Complete annual education requirements.
• Complete in-services and return in a timely fashion.
• All required trainings, certifications and licensure must be kept current in accordance with applicable licensing and accreditation regulations and standards.
• Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Comply with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.
• Maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct and adhere to hospital policies and procedures.
• Other job duties as assigned.