Art Therapy Job Available

There’s an opening for an art therapist position within the school department at Merrimac। If you or anyone you know is interested kindly give Deborah Lenassi or John Whalen a call at the Center:757-887-0225.

ART THERAPY IN SOPS DETENTION FACILITIES Goal: Art therapists in SOPs will create a safe and creative environment for the students to express their thoughts, energies and behavior in a positive manner through the art making process that may:· Increase appropriate forms of self expression including improvement of coping skills· Encourage student awareness of their thoughts and actions· Decrease impulsivity and increase frustration tolerance· Increase self empowerment through the creative process· Encourage independence and individuality· Improve respect for self and others· Encourage social interaction and cooperative behavior· Provide experiences that help a student gain insight· Emphasize the unique abilities of each student· Support student academic experiences· Provide experiences that will enhance problem-solving skills· Foster relaxation and coping skills· Encourage identification and expression of feelings Experience: The art making process may include both 2-D and 3D media such as:· Drawing· Sculptures· Mixed media· Painting· Graphic designs· Crafts · Games· Virtual field trips· Art relaxation techniques· Music listening· Creative analysis· Creative writing· Photography/film Other guidelines:· Art therapists may meet with students in a group setting।· Students needing individual counseling will be referred to the appropriate facility staff।· Art therapists will not be required by Department of Education to have endorsements in art education unless required by their local education agency (LEA) but must be registered as an Art Therapist or be working toward this credential. · If a student is taking an art class for credit then the art therapist may work with the home school and/or facility teachers to ensure that the necessary curriculum is covered and graded.· Art Therapists work for the education program within the facility in which the program resides. We are public school programs and are required to offer a free education to all students. Therefore, art enrichment through therapeutic means is available to all students.