Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities – Art Therapist

The Early Intervention for Children (EIC) Services helps equip children with motor, communication, social, self-help and cognitive skills. THK EIC involves structuring classes around small groups encompassing early childhood special education, social work and therapy support services to stimulate their adaptive functioning and school readiness skills.

Report to 

1. Responsible to: Director of Programme / Divisional Director
2. Supervised by: Senior Art Therapist / Director of Programme
3. Interrelationships: Professional colleagues, staff, donors, clients and families 

Role

The Art Therapist is to work with children and families of all ages and backgrounds using the visual arts as a medium for healing, awareness and self-development. The aim is to help their clients express intense emotion and explore their thoughts in a non-verbal way, using a wide range of art materials. The intention is not a focus on the artistic skills of the client but their engagement in a creative personal process. They work in either a group or one-to-one setting and provide a safe and secure environment for clients to work through their emotions. Art therapists also work closely with other professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Taking referrals, including self-referrals and referrals from other professionals such as teachers, psychologists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists; 
• Making referrals to other professionals; 
• Attending meetings and case conferences to share ideas, expertise and good practice;
• Assessing the needs of the children and families by listening and providing guidance;
• Working creatively with various client groups in a therapeutic setting; 
• Working in a group or one-to-one setting, often as part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals; 
• Enabling clients to explore their art work and the process of its production; 
• Assessing and understanding the feelings or temperament of others;
• Constructively challenging the behaviour and attitude of clients;
• Keeping up to date with administration: making phone calls; writing reports and case notes; and drafting letters to other professionals;
• Planning, designing and facilitating a schedule of activities with individuals and groups;
• Maintaining art therapy space and materials; 
• Receiving support and discussing ideas in individual supervision; 
• Exploring opportunities for work where it may not currently exist;
• Presenting a case to other professionals on reasons for employing an art therapist;
• Explaining what art therapy is to colleagues and other practitioners;
• Keeping up to date with continuing professional development (CPD) by attending seminars, lectures, and workshops;
• Liaising with team members 

Qualifications

• Master of Arts in Art Therapy from recognised institutions
• Registration with relevant Professional Body or Art Therapy Association