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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Creative Arts Therapist (Art)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States, 88005

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Creative Arts Therapist (Art) – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Location: Las Cruces, NM.

Pay Range: $73,939.00/yr – $96,116.00/yr.

Summary Unique clinical Art Therapist position in the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) program. This direct patient‑care role involves performing the work of a creative arts therapist of art, collaborating with HBPC and MFH program staff to guide treatment and help Veterans achieve optimal functionality and independence in the community.

Qualifications

United States Citizenship. Non‑citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens can be recruited.

Education: Master’s degree or higher in art therapy approved by the American Art Therapy Association (as of June 30, 2016) or accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Art Therapy Education; OR a master’s in a related field with graduate coursework and supervised field experience in art therapy. Related fields include Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, Addictions Counseling, Psychiatric Nursing, and Psychiatry. Must possess unrestricted registration as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR).

Foreign education must be evaluated by a credentialing organization and deemed equivalent to U.S. programs.

Registration: Full, current, unrestricted ATR registration required.

Physical requirements: see VA Directive and Handbook 5019 (distant vision 20/40, field of vision 70°, hearing requirements, valid driver’s license, etc.).

English language proficiency: proficient in spoken and written English.

Grade determination: GS‑11.

Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.

Preferred experience: Minimum two years in home care, geriatric/chronically ill high‑risk Veteran populations, or Creative Arts Program development/implementation.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Identify current art resources for discharge planning.

Develop and implement quality‑improvement systems related to regulatory requirements, including patient safety.

Knowledge of diagnostic coding and symptomatology in art therapy provision.

Knowledge of the creative process and art media effects on cognitive, sensory, emotional, and physical states.

Educate stakeholders on the therapeutic value of the creative process.

Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with professional boundaries.

Collaborate and liaise with interdisciplinary teams, educating them on art therapy theory.

Duties

Administer and interpret art therapy assessments; develop unconventional assessment approaches.

Review pre‑evaluation data upon admission or through consult; analyze, interpret, and report assessment data across functional domains.

Plan, organize, and implement evidence‑based comprehensive art therapy interventions for patients with chronic or life‑threatening conditions and their families.

Recommend and develop new treatment groups and programs, including co‑treatment opportunities.

Participate in interdisciplinary programs, including neurological, physical, mental health, and palliative care related to terminal illness.

Organize and evaluate public‑relations activities; educate others about the effectiveness of art therapy.

Modify treatment plans and goals compatible with patient functional capacity.

Document patient care: progress notes, daily attendance, and reports.

Provide direct 1:1 treatment and services, exercising professional judgment and a wide range of clinical skills.

Investigate community resources and provide information and referral services.

Support community‑based program planning and build working relationships with community agencies.

Maintain accurate statistics and reports; submit patient‑contact data promptly.

Participate in research, education, evaluations, and studies.

Supervise art therapy students, interns, and trainees (as required).

Work Schedule & Telework Typical schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00 am‑4:45 pm. Telework is not available; this is not a virtual position.

Benefits & Incentives Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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