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Art Therapist - Term Limited

Michigan Medicine
Ann Arbor, MI
Job Summary

The art therapist plans and implements a comprehensive art therapy assessment, treatment, and evaluation plan inclusive of interventions under the Scope of Practice of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), using a variety of creative artistic modalities, such as drawing, painting, photography, clay; non-pharmacological pain management; and emotional and bereavement support for the patient and family. Art therapy services aim to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional and psychosocial well-being of individuals, groups, and families at Michigan Medicine's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in support of the mission and goals of the Department of Child and Family Life. Working under the direction of the Director of Child & Family Life, and in accordance with the medical orders of referring physicians and interdisciplinary team care plans, the art therapist chooses materials and interventions appropriate to their patients' individual needs and designs sessions to achieve therapeutic goals using a strengths-based approach.

This position is a one-year term limited appointment.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

  • Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
  • 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

  • Demonstrate proficiency in all art therapy clinical competencies and standards of clinical practice and ethical principles for art therapists as defined by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
  • Plan, implement, evaluate, prioritize and modify art therapy treatment plan to meet biopsychosocial needs of patient, based on assessment, patient interests, developmental level, objectives of therapy, and medical orders using a strengths-based approach. Facilitate broad ranges of expression through non-verbal means, as well as verbal dialogue.
  • Support patients and families in coping with stresses associated with health care experiences through the development of therapeutic and supportive relationships. Continually increase knowledge with various inpatient and outpatient patient populations.
  • Advocate for patient and family-centered care through communication, involvement, and empowerment of patients and family members.
  • Document treatment plans/outcomes for patients within the electronic medical record as required by department guidelines and professional standards.
  • Provide a physically and emotionally safe, therapeutic and healing environment for patients, families and staff. Participate in patient related programming and events.
  • Actively participate as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, integrating goals and plans to promote optimal patient care that is family-centered, developmentally
  • appropriate, culturally sensitive, and psychosocially sound. Regularly attend and participate in medical, multidisciplinary and psychosocial team meetings.
  • Co-treat and refer patients and families to multidisciplinary services and community resources as needed.
  • Maintain and order art therapy supplies, and equipment as needed.
  • Develop resources and/or programs to support clinical unit or patient population.
  • Assist with orientation of new staff.
  • Provide clinical training and supervision for art therapy practicum students and interns as assigned.
  • Develop and facilitate ongoing formal and informal education and orientation for unit and multidisciplinary teams on availability and provision of art therapy.
  • Remain abreast of current developments in the art therapy profession and participate in professional development to enhance clinical knowledge and skills. Professional involvement with the American Art Therapy Association is highly encouraged.
  • Act as a change agent and advance care through the development and introduction of new clinical information, programs and technology. Participate in research or quality improvement opportunities when applicable.
  • Seek ways to improve processes and advance art therapy through active participation and advocating in interdisciplinary team meetings and committees.
  • Serve as a financial steward by implementing cost effective programming.
  • Represent Child and Family Life and art therapy and manage clinical responsibilities on evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
  • Actively participate in monthly clinical team and committee meetings (i.e., departmental, multidisciplinary).
  • Exemplify Michigan Medicine?s values related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
  • Adhere to Child and Family Life team norms.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: General supervision is received from department's board-certified art therapists.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Functional supervision may be exercised over volunteers.

Required Qualifications*

  • Master's degree in art therapy from an accredited academic program allowing for credentialing as a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
  • Registered Art Therapist required within six months of hire.
  • Certification from the Art Therapy Credentials Board as a RegisteredArt Therapist-Board Certified within one year of hire.Certification from the Art Therapy Credentials Board as a Registered Art Therapist-Board Certified within one year of hire.
  • Strong interpersonal communication, teamwork, and listening skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to problem solve and make clinical decisions with minimal supervision and independently when needed.
  • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, Photoshop, iMovie software application and the electronic medical record.

Work Schedule

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm

Some holidays may be required.

  • This position is eligible for shift premium.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This is a one-year term-limited appointment. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent standing/walking, as well as lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring of patients.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Posted 2025-09-05

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