An expressive therapist provides clients with hand-on therapeutic activities to enhance the client’s ability to interact in positive and appropriate ways with others, to introduce patients to activities which promote self-expression and self-esteem, and to give clients insight about their behavior while working toward their treatment goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in an adjunctive therapy discipline including but not limited to art therapy, music therapy, movement therapy, recreation therapy, or similar course of study required. Experience with acute emotionally challenged children or adolescents preferred. Valid driver’s license, SCM certification, CPR/First Aid certification required. Must possess basic personal computer knowledge and skills. Must be at least 21 years of age.

JOB DUTIES:

Assist in the selection of clients who are appropriate for expressive therapy groups and individual sessions. Screen clients who will be participating in expressive therapy groups through admission information, chart review, and/or discussion with treatment team. Demonstrate ability to plan, implement, and evaluate expressive therapy programming consistent with the treatment plan goals. Schedule programming consistent with client availability, including some evenings and weekends to ensure that sufficient activities are available to clients. Evaluate progress of the client and ensure appropriate documentation is completed in compliance with all corporate and regulatory standards. Consult with assigned clinicians, multidisciplinary treatment team members, supervisors and other expressive therapists in order to facilitate the highest quality of expressive therapy groups and individual sessions. Evaluate and recommend purchase of materials and equipment needed for the program to the Director of Social Services or designee. Maintain an inventory of equipment and take responsibility for ordering supplies. Monitor and be responsible for encouraging a safe and therapeutic environment during all expressive therapy programming. Act immediately to remove all dangers or threats to the welfare of clients and know the whereabouts of all clients in your care. Maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature, and by attending related seminars, conferences and workshops. Attend staff meetings and program meetings as requested in order to communicate pertinent information, make pertinent recommendations regarding approaches and interventions, review behavioral observations critical to treatment, and to educate staff on the purpose of expressive therapies. Fully perform restraints as necessary when ordered by a licensed professional using the current approved KidsPeace restraint methodology on youth who may weigh in excess of 250 pounds and who are verbally or physically threatening or otherwise presenting a threat to themselves or others.