MediCorp Health System
Job Description
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Date: May 21, 2009
Organization: MediCorp Health System
Title: Art Therapist
Department: Hospice
Reports to: Social Work Coordinator
Submitted by: Lynn Henry, Director, Mary Washington Home Health and Hospice
Basic Purpose:
The purpose of Art Therapy, a component of Complementary Therapies, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the creative process as a healing process, and on the resulting artwork as a form of communication, with the assumption that the art process itself is healing. A Certified Art Therapist is a professional who is responsible and accountable for the adjuvant care and management of a designated group of geriatric patients, adults or children with life limiting illnesses, including support and teaching for the family/caregiver of the patient and bereaved family members/caregivers as appropriate.
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Major Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Performs assessment, evaluation and establishes therapeutic and functional goals for patients.
2. Provide direct service to hospice patients/families in homes and alternative homes.
3. Maintains and completes required documentation.
4. Attends IDT meetings as necessary.
5. Provides in-service programs to educate staff and volunteers about art therapy.
6. Attends clinical in-services and continuing education opportunities.
7. Provides bereavement follow-up to family members when appropriate.
8. Provides other duties as assigned.
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Qualifications:
1. Proficient in an the use of a wide variety of art media and techniques to assist patient/family with symptoms such as pain, discomfort, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, isolation, anticipatory grief, multiple losses, need for spiritual expression, need for meaningful activity or visual/motor stimulation.
2. Bachelors Degree in Art Therapy or Bachelors Degree with emphasis in Art Therapy. Masters Degree preferred.
3. Art Therapist Registered and Board Certified.
4. Two years of Art Therapy experience and previous experience with individuals with life limited expectancy preferred.
5. Good communication skills, particularly with Hospice patients and medical staff. Ability to work skillfully with all members of the IDT.
6. Skilled in providing appropriate music activities that correspond to developmental ages and stages.
7. Demonstrated understanding of the differences between adult and children’s reaction to grief and life threatening situations.
