Creative Arts Therapist

Creative Art Therapy Australia (CATA): 

Creative Art Therapy Australia is seeking aCreative Arts Therapist who shares our commitment to reforming mental health services in the Aged Care sector. CATA, a not-for-profit organisation, provides innovative and inclusive creative art therapies to promote mental well-being and community cohesion for elderly Australians.

Position Summary: 

The successful candidate will facilitate creative art therapy individual and group sessions with full autonomy to develop, implement, and evaluate ongoing sessions for a residential facility in New Castle. All modalities are welcome to apply. The position is for three full days: two days on-site in a 66-bed residential facility and one-day off-site. The contract period is for one year commencing 15th July 2024.

Position Inclusions:

• Weekly mentorship from the CATA team;
• Monthly group supervision provided by CATA;
• Consumables;
• Evaluation and reporting guidance;
• Professional development.

Position Requirements:

• Alignment with CATA organisational core values, mission and ethos;
• Develop, design, prepare and deliver a creative, multimodal, therapeutic arts program based upon and adapted to the varying needs of the participants;
• Innovatively work with residents in memory support units;
• Deliver group sessions and individual one-on-one sessions as required;
• Liaise with the facility lifestyle staff to co-ordinate sessions with scheduled lifestyle events;
• Tailor sessions to support the Aged Care facility lifestyle program of events;
• Research culturally appropriate themes and calendar events, incorporating them creatively into the weekly delivery of the program;
• Engage in regular supervision conducted by a clinical supervisor provided by CATA;
• Document all sessions delivered and maintain up-to-date clinical notes;
• Collect and maintain data as required;
• Write quarterly reports under the guidance of the CATA team.

Qualifications, Compliance and Skills Required:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Accreditation obtained through a Master’s Degree in Creative Arts Therapy;
• Insured with affiliated Australian Peak Bodies.

Additional Attributes:

• Passion for Specialised Populations and Professional Practice: We welcome recently qualified and experienced Creative Arts Therapists interested in advancing their careers to apply.
• Aged Care Experience or Placement Experience:  Creative Arts Therapists with a background or placement experience in Aged Care facilities.
• Adaptability and Openness: We encourage Creative Arts Therapists who are adaptable and open to exploring innovative and inclusive approaches. This includes a willingness to incorporate various creative modalities to meet the diverse needs of our participants.

Beneficial Additional Capacity:

• Experience working with older adults and an aptitude for sensitively and compassionately working with people with varying abilities and needs are required.
• Excellent interpersonal and written skills to effectively communicate verbally and non-verbally with residents and staff, including written data for quarterly reports.
• Time management is essential for effective program delivery, so the program must be delivered around the residents' scheduled tea, coffee, and meal breaks.

We are eager to welcome Creative Arts Therapists who share our commitment to positively impacting people's lives. 

How to Apply: 

Please email the Office Coordinator, *****@cata.org.au, your resume and the subject line CATA x Newcastle Aged Care.

Applications close: 24th May 2024