Job Description

Art Therapist

The Art Therapist or Art Instructor will design and facilitate creative arts experiences that support the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of patients in inpatient and residential psychiatric programs. The Art therapist or Art Instructor role uses art-making as a tool for self-expression, healing, and community building while fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Plan and lead individual and group art sessions tailored to diverse skill levels, treatment goals, and levels of care.
• Facilitate therapeutic art-making experiences using a variety of media, including painting, drawing, ceramics, collage, and textiles.
• Collaborate with clinical teams (nursing, therapy, psychiatry, and recreation) to align art programming with patient treatment plans and recovery goals.
• Encourage self-expression, emotional regulation, and social connection through creative processes.
• Maintain a safe, supportive studio environment, including proper use of materials and equipment.
• Coordinate art projects that enhance the physical environment (e.g., murals, collaborative displays, seasonal exhibits).
• Support and mentor patients in developing new artistic skills and confidence in creative expression.
• Manage art supplies and maintain an organized studio and materials inventory.
• Contribute to program development, including new art initiatives, community partnerships, or special exhibitions.
• Document patient participation and progress as required by hospital policy

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must have the ability to function optimally in a stressful environment, and the ability to remain calm in emotionally charged situations.
• CPR BLS Certification required
• Nonviolent Crisis Prevention certification required

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in Art Therapy preferred; or Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Art Education, or related field with experience in therapeutic or psychiatric settings.
• Current credential or eligibility as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) or ATR-BC preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience in art instruction and mental health may be considered.
• Minimum of 1–2 years working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, preferably in a hospital, residential, or community-based setting.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating group or individual art sessions.
• Strong understanding of the therapeutic value of creative expression.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move light objects weighing less than 20 pounds for short distances.
• Ability to sit at a desk and walk around for different periods of time.

Silver Hill Hospital ("SHH") is fully committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all present employees as well as for applicants in all phases of the employment process (recruitment, hiring, assignment, conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination). Therefore, except in any cases of bona fide occupational qualification or need, SHH will act without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, past/present history of mental disorder, intellectual disability, physical or learning disability, genetic information or any other characteristics protected by applicable law, (unless it is shown by supervisory personnel that a disability prevents performance of the work involved or may result in undue hardship) in all aspects of the employment process and relationship. This policy is based on the understanding that an applicant is able to handle the job requirements. Employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities.

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