Arts Therapist

Arts Therapist

The closing date is 10 March 2026

The Mental Health for Older People (MHSOP) directorate is delighted to offer a fixed‑term Arts Therapist position within the Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) directorate in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

We are looking to recruit an Arts Therapist for our inpatient and community teams, adding to our thriving, passionate and person‑centred AHP and Psychology teams. The successful applicant will work across Cardiff and Vale in both inpatient and community settings, supporting clients who receive MHSOP services, including the Younger Onset Dementia service.

During the fixed term of 12 months we will demonstrate the value and impact of the role on service users and staff. The post holder will play a key role in scoping Art Therapy provision, measuring outcomes and contributing to future service planning.

This is a full‑time post funded for 12 months; part‑time applications will be considered.

Our service supports people aged 65 years and over living in Cardiff and the Vale with a dementia or functional mental illness, as well as a Younger Onset Dementia Service for individuals diagnosed before age 65, their carers and families.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable, but Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

The post holder will provide input through both 1:1 and group interventions, working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, families, carers, social services and third sector.

Transition support (i.e., supporting transitions from inpatient to community)

Supporting individuals’ wellbeing and helping to prevent hospital admissions

Up‑skilling and supporting colleagues and families (training, supervision, consultation and carer support groups)

Support the development of person‑centred care environments through reflective practice, supervision and collaboration on service design

Assessment and intervention based on a holistic person‑centred approach, engaging staff and carers in creating supportive environments; implementing a multi‑component framework for the delivery of evidence‑based support.

Provide a service that improves and maintains the emotional health of older adults through specialist assessment, formulation of treatment programmes, clinical interventions and teaching.

Contribute to the future development and planning of an Arts/Music Therapies service.

Provide advice, training and consultation pertaining to Arts/Music Therapies to staff from other disciplines, carers or statutory bodies as required.

Maintain HCPC registration as a condition of initial and continued employment.

Undertake appropriate CPD, research and audit activity.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff and providing over 100 specialist services. Working across six hospital sites, we offer a diverse range of career opportunities. Serving over 500,000 people in Cardiff and the Vale, we focus on the health and care needs of our local population while partnering to develop regional services.

Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.

Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person’s chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10‑year transformation and improvement strategy,
Shaping Our Future Wellbeing
, guides our collaborative work with the public and our workforce to make the health board more sustainable for the future.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable, but Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

See the attached full Job description and Person Specification, or click Apply Now to view in Trac.

• Health‑related professional qualification (Arts/therapies degree and/or post‑graduate qualification in Art Psychotherapy, Art Therapy or Drama therapy with a recognised training provider)
• Current UK professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as an Arts Therapist or membership of a governing body
• Ed…