School-Based Art Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of education, the focus on School-Based Art Therapists has never been more significant.

As our understanding of mental health develops, the demand for creative professionals who can navigate, foster, and protect our students’ emotional and mental wellbeing heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a School-Based Art Therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• An academic institution’s hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the role of art therapy in schools,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable School-Based Art Therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or educational career sites.

Let’s get started.

School-Based Art Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

School-Based Art Therapists combine therapeutic counseling techniques with an understanding of the creative process to provide a unique form of therapy to students.

Their aim is to assist students in expressing themselves, dealing with stress, and managing behavioral and emotional problems.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Working closely with teachers, parents and school staff to identify students who may benefit from art therapy
• Developing individualized treatment plans that utilize art as a form of therapeutic expression
• Guiding students through various art projects and activities, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage making, to encourage self-expression and emotional exploration
• Assessing student progress through observation and discussion and adjusting therapy plans as necessary
• Providing a safe, supportive, and positive environment for students to express themselves through art
• Documenting and maintaining detailed records of each student’s therapeutic journey
• Consulting with other professionals, such as psychologists, to ensure that the therapy is in line with other treatments the student may be receiving
• Conducting group therapy sessions to facilitate social skills and peer relationships
• Providing education and resources to teachers and parents to better support the student’s therapeutic goals outside the art therapy sessions
• Staying informed about current trends and research in the field of art therapy

 

School-Based Art Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced School-Based Art Therapist to join our team.

The ideal candidate will utilize art therapy to help students express their feelings, manage behaviors, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem and awareness.

A School-Based Art Therapist assists students in achieving their therapeutic and academic goals by collaborating with educators, parents, and other professionals to provide a comprehensive approach to student wellbeing.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement art therapy interventions tailored to the needs of individual students.
• Evaluate and document student progress and modify therapeutic plans as required.
• Collaborate with teachers, school counselors, and parents to best support student needs.
• Conduct group and individual therapy sessions.
• Provide crisis intervention as necessary.
• Adhere to ethical and legal standards as established by the art therapy profession.
• Participate in professional development activities to stay current with art therapy techniques and research.

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Art Therapy or related field.
• Registered and board-certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) or eligible for certification.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in a school setting.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement art therapy interventions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to art therapy.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid time off including school holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• School calendar aligned work schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School-Based Art Therapist
• Work Environment: School setting. Some travel may be required for meetings or professional development.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Counseling Director or Principal.
• Salary: Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications, as well as market and school district considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a portfolio of your art therapy work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School-Based Art Therapist Do?

A School-Based Art Therapist primarily works in educational institutions, ranging from elementary schools to high schools.

They utilize art as a therapeutic tool to help students express their feelings, emotions, and experiences in a non-verbal manner.

These therapists collaborate with school counselors, teachers, and special education staff to identify students who might benefit from art therapy.

Their main role is to help students use art to process their emotions, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem.

They also provide group or individual sessions based on students’ needs.

In these sessions, they guide students to create artwork, and then facilitate discussions about their creations, helping them to interpret and understand the feelings or thoughts that may have inspired their artwork.

A School-Based Art Therapist also maintains detailed records of the students’ progress, and communicates with parents and school staff about any significant changes or improvements in students’ emotional health, behavior, and academic performance.

They may also develop and implement school-wide art therapy programs, provide training for school staff about the benefits of art therapy, and advocate for the inclusion of art therapy in the school’s curriculum or therapeutic services.

 

School-Based Art Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A competent School-Based Art Therapist should have the skills and qualifications that match your job requirements, such as:

• Master’s degree in Art Therapy or related fields, along with appropriate certification or licensure.
• Experience in working with children and adolescents in a therapeutic setting, preferably in a school environment.
• Deep understanding of child and adolescent development, as well as the ability to tailor art therapy techniques and methods to various age groups and developmental stages.
• Strong knowledge of therapeutic art techniques and how they can be used to facilitate self-expression, self-understanding, and emotional healing.
• Ability to build and maintain a safe and supportive environment that encourages creativity and emotional expression.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish rapport with students, parents, school staff and other stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate therapy goals, progress, and outcomes to the relevant parties.
• Empathy, patience, and a caring nature to effectively support students who may be dealing with emotional, mental, or behavioral issues.
• Organizational skills to manage caseloads, maintain therapy materials, and keep accurate records.
• Observational and assessment skills to evaluate a student’s needs, progress, and response to therapy.

 

School-Based Art Therapist Experience Requirements

School-based Art Therapists typically begin their journey by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Art, Education, or a related field.

During their undergraduate studies, they may gain relevant experience by volunteering or interning at mental health clinics, schools, or community centers.

Most school-based Art Therapist positions require a Master’s degree in Art Therapy or a related field, like Counseling or Psychology, with a concentration in Art Therapy.

This typically includes internships or practicums that provide hands-on experience in therapeutic art programs, often working with children and adolescents.

In addition to educational internships, Art Therapists may gain further experience in the years following graduation by working in mental health clinics, hospitals, or community centers before transitioning to a school-based setting.

This allows them to hone their skills in various types of therapy and with diverse populations.

Those with more than 3 years of experience may develop additional expertise in a particular area, such as trauma-informed therapy, play therapy, or working with specific populations like students with special needs.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have gathered significant leadership experience, preparing them for roles such as Lead Art Therapist or Art Therapy Program Director within a school setting.

In addition to these experience requirements, many schools require Art Therapists to be certified or licensed, which involves additional supervised clinical experience and passing an examination.

 

School-Based Art Therapist Education and Training Requirements

School-Based Art Therapists typically hold a minimum of a master’s degree in art therapy or counseling with a specialization in art therapy.

The coursework usually includes psychotherapy, psychology, human development, ethical and legal issues, multicultural issues, research methods, and of course, a wide range of art and creativity courses.

Along with the theoretical knowledge, a supervised internship or practicum is essential for hands-on experience in the field of art therapy.

After obtaining a master’s degree, most states require Art Therapists to become licensed, registered, or certified as professional counselors or therapists.

The specifics of these requirements can vary widely from state to state.

In addition to the state-level credentials, Art Therapists can seek a credential from the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).

The primary credential offered by the ATCB is the Registered Art Therapist (ATR), which requires a master’s degree, post-graduate supervised experience, and a passing score on the ATCB examination.

Continuing education is critical for Art Therapists to keep up with the latest research, techniques, and theories in the field.

This could be achieved through workshops, seminars, or additional courses.

Professional memberships in organizations such as the American Art Therapy Association can also provide opportunities for ongoing learning and networking.

 

School-Based Art Therapist Salary Expectations

A School-Based Art Therapist earns an average salary of $48,905 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary greatly depending on the level of experience, education, location of the school, and the school district’s funding for such programs.

 

School-Based Art Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a School-Based Art Therapist need?

School-Based Art Therapists need to have a strong background in visual arts and a deep understanding of various therapeutic techniques.

They should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with students.

Sensitivity, empathy, and patience are essential, as they often deal with students who have experienced trauma or have emotional or behavioral issues.

Additionally, they should be creative, innovative, and able to adapt their therapeutic methods to each student’s unique needs and abilities.

 

Do School-Based Art Therapists need a degree?

Yes, School-Based Art Therapists typically need at least a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field such as counseling or psychology with additional coursework in art therapy.

They should also have a state license to practice therapy, and obtaining a credential as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) from the Art Therapy Credentials Board can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a School-Based Art Therapist resume?

A resume for a School-Based Art Therapist should include a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field.

Look for experience in working with children or adolescents, and in school settings if possible.

It should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s proficiency in various art mediums and therapeutic techniques.

Check for any state licensure or additional credentials like the ATR.

Finally, take note of any additional training or experience in special education, psychology, or counseling.

 

What qualities make a good School-Based Art Therapist?

A good School-Based Art Therapist is patient, empathetic, and able to build strong relationships with students.

They should be creative, innovative, and adaptable, tailoring their therapeutic approach to each student’s unique needs and abilities.

They need to be culturally sensitive and respectful of each student’s individual experiences and perspectives.

Lastly, they should have a deep understanding of both art and psychology, and be able to effectively use art as a therapeutic tool.

 

How does a School-Based Art Therapist interact with other school staff?

A School-Based Art Therapist works closely with teachers, school counselors, and other educational staff to provide comprehensive support to students.

They may consult with these professionals to understand a student’s academic and behavioral performance, and to coordinate interventions.

They may also participate in team meetings, provide staff training on the use of art therapy, and contribute to the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the genuine essence of being a school-based art therapist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about sketching and painting.

It’s about sculpting young minds, one stroke of creativity at a time.

With our go-to school-based art therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your next career leap.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every brushstroke contributes to the bigger masterpiece.

Let’s shape those young minds. Together.

How to Become a School-Based Art Therapist (Complete Guide)

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