Creative Art Therapist Job at The Behavioral Wellness Center At Girard in Philad

Creative Arts Therapist Day Shift

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Job Type: Full-Time (Day Shift)

Department: Creative Arts Therapy & Wellness

Reports To: Director, Creative Arts Therapy & Wellness

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is a leading behavioral health facility in Philadelphia, offering both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and substance use treatment services. Our long-standing presence and partnership with the City of Philadelphia allow us to deliver accessible, evidence-based care that is spiritually and culturally responsive to the needs of the community.

We are deeply committed to the wellness journey of each participant, providing the following core services:

• Substance Use Disorder Services
• Inpatient Psychiatric Services
• Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services

Join a multidisciplinary team that is passionate about supporting individuals through recovery and mental wellness with compassion, professionalism, and innovation.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Creative Arts Therapist to join our team and provide therapeutic services to patients managing addiction and mental health challenges. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in one or more creative disciplines (art, music, dance/movement, drama, or recreation therapy) and develop sessions tailored to patients' cultural background, developmental stage, and recovery goals.

This is a day shift position and a vital role within our Creative Arts Therapy & Wellness Department.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Conduct assessments and document clinical impressions in a timely manner
• Plan and facilitate individualized and group creative arts therapy sessions
• Support patients using culturally relevant, trauma-informed interventions
• Promote therapeutic engagement through structured recreational activities
• Participate in treatment planning and case conferences
• Maintain professional and ethical boundaries with patients and staff
• Ensure patient safety throughout all therapeutic activities
• Build and maintain a resource bank of therapeutic tools and materials

Documentation

• Accurately document session attendance and patient progress
• Complete required reports and professional activity summaries
• Maintain detailed, timely records in the Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Professionalism

• Adhere to hospital and departmental policies and procedures
• Participate in training and staff development activities
• Collaborate with internal departments and support services as needed
• Maintain membership and credentials with appropriate professional organizations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in art therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama Therapy, Recreation Therapy, or related field required
• Master's degree preferred
• Membership or certification in a relevant professional organization preferred
• CPR certification preferred
• Strong foundation in creative arts therapy principles and psychosocial rehabilitation
• Ability to engage, motivate, and de-escalate patients when necessary
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and actively engage in therapy for extended periods
• Must be able to work with patients who may be uncooperative or aggressive
• Exposure to clinical environments and potential health hazards
• Familiarity with infection control and hospital safety protocols is essential

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/M/F/D/V). We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.