The art therapist plans and implements a comprehensive art therapy assessment, treatment, and evaluation plan inclusive of interventions under the Scope of Practice of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), using a variety of creative artistic modalities, such as drawing, painting, photography, clay; non-pharmacological pain management; and emotional and bereavement support for the patient and family. Art therapy services aim to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional and psychosocial well-being of individuals, groups, and families at Michigan Medicine's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in support of the mission and goals of the Department of Child and Family Life. Working under the direction of the Director of Child & Family Life, and in accordance with the medical orders of referring physicians and interdisciplinary team care plans, the art therapist chooses materials and interventions appropriate to their patients' individual needs and designs sessions to achieve therapeutic goals using a strengths-based approach.
This position is a one-year term limited appointment.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all art therapy clinical competencies and standards of clinical practice and ethical principles for art therapists as defined by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
- Plan, implement, evaluate, prioritize and modify art therapy treatment plan to meet biopsychosocial needs of patient, based on assessment, patient interests, developmental level, objectives of therapy, and medical orders using a strengths-based approach. Facilitate broad ranges of expression through non-verbal means, as well as verbal dialogue.
- Support patients and families in coping with stresses associated with health care experiences through the development of therapeutic and supportive relationships. Continually increase knowledge with various inpatient and outpatient patient populations.
- Advocate for patient and family-centered care through communication, involvement, and empowerment of patients and family members.
- Document treatment plans/outcomes for patients within the electronic medical record as required by department guidelines and professional standards.
- Provide a physically and emotionally safe, therapeutic and healing environment for patients, families and staff. Participate in patient related programming and events.
- Actively participate as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, integrating goals and plans to promote optimal patient care that is family-centered, developmentally
- appropriate, culturally sensitive, and psychosocially sound. Regularly attend and participate in medical, multidisciplinary and psychosocial team meetings.
- Co-treat and refer patients and families to multidisciplinary services and community resources as needed.
- Maintain and order art therapy supplies, and equipment as needed.
- Develop resources and/or programs to support clinical unit or patient population.
- Assist with orientation of new staff.
- Provide clinical training and supervision for art therapy practicum students and interns as assigned.
- Develop and facilitate ongoing formal and informal education and orientation for unit and multidisciplinary teams on availability and provision of art therapy.
- Remain abreast of current developments in the art therapy profession and participate in professional development to enhance clinical knowledge and skills. Professional involvement with the American Art Therapy Association is highly encouraged.
- Act as a change agent and advance care through the development and introduction of new clinical information, programs and technology. Participate in research or quality improvement opportunities when applicable.
- Seek ways to improve processes and advance art therapy through active participation and advocating in interdisciplinary team meetings and committees.
- Serve as a financial steward by implementing cost effective programming.
- Represent Child and Family Life and art therapy and manage clinical responsibilities on evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
- Actively participate in monthly clinical team and committee meetings (i.e., departmental, multidisciplinary).
- Exemplify Michigan Medicine?s values related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
- Adhere to Child and Family Life team norms.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: General supervision is received from department's board-certified art therapists.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Functional supervision may be exercised over volunteers.
- Master's degree in art therapy from an accredited academic program allowing for credentialing as a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
- Registered Art Therapist required within six months of hire.
- Certification from the Art Therapy Credentials Board as a Registered
