Expressive Therapist, Assisted Living-Memory Care Per Diem

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Expressive Therapist shall plan, implement and coordinate Expressive Therapy programs for residents in the Memory Support Assisted Living. This position is responsible for developing varied therapeutic programs that meet the physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs of the residents and positively contributes to their quality of life. The Expressive Therapist also serves as an integral part of an interdisciplinary team made up of (but not limited to) program coordinators, expressive therapists, nursing, administrative and social service associates.

Core Competencies:

Commit to the organization’s core values of respect, dignity and  available to build trusting relationships with the residents, team members and  comfortable using a variety of expressive art modalities

Listen attentively; speak respectfully. Promote an “emotional” connection.

Commit to providing the highest quality of preparation and presentation

Accept responsibility for all tasks assigned

Be able to stand during scheduled work times

Follow all work and safety rules

Commit to making contributions to fellow team members as needed

Accept changes in working venue, schedule, or tasks assigned

Sensitive to issues of aging, needs of the memory loss resident and diverse populations and cultures.

Ability to be flexible with work assignments, other departments and schedule changes.

Ability to follow written and spoken English.

Ability to work as a team player, promoting good relations with other managers, co-workers, families and residents.

Position Responsibilities:

Develop imaginative and varied therapeutic programs that take into account the preferences and unique strengths of each resident. Continuously adapt programs to meet changes in cognitive or physical abilities.

Lead therapeutic programs for memory support residents, including active art-making in a group setting.

Lead intellectually stimulating presentation-style programs for traditional assisted living residents (art history talks, for example).Work collaboratively with programming teams to facilitate community-wide gatherings and special events.

Initial and on-going assessment of residents for the appropriate group assignments.

Assist in orientation of new residents to the New Bridge community.

Follow through on program goals and objectives as established by the team.

Maintain an open line of communication with other staff, volunteers, interns, outside service providers, and families.

Provide in-service trainings for the memory support community on the structure of a therapeutic program for persons with dementia.

May supervise or mentor interns

Participate in the implementation of service plans.

Observe and report any change in health or mental status of residents.

Coordinate and participate in 1:1 sessions with residents.

Implement community outings on a regular basis.

Maintain and organize stock of supplies and arrange entertainment within parameters of budget.

Participate in quantitative and qualitative research

May collaborate with the Multigenerational team to execute various multigenerational programs.

Perform other duties as assigned or requested from time to time by supervisor or other managers.

Qualifications:

Masters in Expressive Arts Therapy- any modality, although Art Therapy is preferred.

Minimum of 1 year experience in working with geriatric population.

Demonstrates proficiency in group leadership and group dynamics.

Demonstrates fluency within various art modalities.

Must demonstrate multicultural awareness and experience working with the geriatric population.

Must be professional, proactive, collaborative, conscientious and results-oriented individual.

Must have an optimistic and positive demeanor, excellent oral and written…