Therapist - Art, Play, or Music Job at Saint Louis Crisis Nursery in St. Louis

Join Our Mission to Heal and Empower Children in Crisis

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is expanding our Therapy Team to deepen our impact on the lives of children and families we serve.

When children come to the Crisis Nursery, they are often experiencing fear, instability, and trauma. Our dedicated professionals provide nurturing care in a safe, trauma-informed environment where every child is seen, supported, and empowered to heal.

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled therapist to provide trauma-informed therapeutic services through our well-established Art and Play Therapy Program. The ideal candidate has a strong clinical background in childhood trauma and is eager to help children build self-esteem, develop positive coping skills, and express themselves in healthy, creative ways.

About the Role

As a member of our collaborative clinical team, you will:

• Provide individualized therapyfor children during their short-term stays at the Nursery.
• Use art, play, or music therapyto help children identify, express, and regulate their emotions.
• Conduct clinical assessmentsand offer crisis intervention counselingfor approximately 100 children per month across all five Nursery locations.
• Observe children’s behaviors and offer therapeutic recommendations to staff.
• Provide referralsfor ongoing therapy services when needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentationin all case files.
• Deliver therapeutic trainingto staff and practicum students.
• Develop and present educational programmingfor families and community groups.
• Support the development of Family Empowerment Program (FEP) therapeutic groups.

Qualifications

• Professional licensure (LCSW, LPC, or equivalent) required.
• Certification in Art or Play Therapypreferred; Music Therapycredentials also considered.
• Minimum of two years of experienceworking with children and families in a social service or clinical setting.
• Strong understanding of child development, trauma, and attachment-based interventions.

Why Join Our Team

• Comprehensive onboardingand ongoing professional development throughout the year.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (United Healthcare) begins after 30 days — the Nursery contributes $5,500 annually toward premiums for all full-time staff.
• Fully paid $30,000 life insurance policy.
• Generous Paid Time Off— begin accruing immediately and earn up to 25 days in your first year.
• Retirement plan, floating holidays,and more.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, daytime hours (flexible scheduling available).
• Travel: Required between Nursery locations.

About the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery

For more than 39 years, the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery has been a lifeline for families in crisis, providing emergency shelter for children from birth through age 12 and wrap-around support to help families remain stable and strong. Our programs consistently reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect and help families build safer, healthier futures.

We are a nonprofit, independent agency dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect by providing trauma-informed care, family advocacy, and community support.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.