Position Overview 

Zone 126 is seeking to hire a full-time licensed Creative Arts Therapist to develop and implement therapeutic activities for at-risk youth. This role integrates clinical services with professional leadership in a drama therapy-based program with a select cohort of students. This role is responsible for conducting classroom push-ins, individual and group counseling sessions, and facilitating lunchtime and after-school club activities at Long Island City High School.

The Creative Arts Therapist reports to the CSD, supervises and collaborates with a part-time Teaching Artist, while working closely with school administration and the Zone 126 staff in providing creative therapeutic services. 

Essential Responsibilities 

• Outreach, recruit, and enroll students for individual and group sessions for the day and after school setting.
• Conduct individual and group creative arts sessions with students within a day and after school setting.
• Work with the CSD and school administration to identify participants, schedule, and conduct classroom push-ins. 
• Work collaboratively with the school’s administration, Zone 126 staff to design and implement appropriate creative arts programming and related activities.
• Host a school-based lunchtime and afterschool support group that provides students with mentorship intended to increase their social-emotional learning skills, self-efficacy, confidence, and communication skills.
• Conduct family outreach efforts in a supportive manner with student development.
• Refer high risk students to school administration and school based mental health clinic as needed.
• Maintain accurate record keeping and adhere to budget and expense management requirements if applicable. 
• Document treatment contacts, referrals, and notes as required timely, legible, and provide an accurate depiction of individuals' progress, challenges, etc.
• Collect and maintain comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate records for submission to our Data & Evaluation Manager for input into our CRM system (Apricot). 
• Properly maintain confidential students’ files with complete and up to date data/documentation, including required consent forms. 
• Support the promotion and collection of surveys, interviews, and focus groups as requested. 
• Ensure the distribution and completion of DCFs, after school applications, and other documents as required. 
• Support with other duties as needed. 

Qualifications 

• Master’s degree required. 
• Valid License in Music, Dance, Drama or Art Therapy, or other areas of recreational therapy.
• Knowledge of best practices in therapeutic arts services strongly preferred.
• Fluent in Spanish or Bengali a plus.
• Behavioral health experience preferred.
• Experience working in a NYC public school or with high-needs population.
• A thorough knowledge of casework practice is required. 
• Excellent interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational skills required.
• DOE Fingerprinting Clearance is required for all school-based staff. Fingerprinting costs are reimbursable after 90 days of successful employment.

Work Location and Schedule 

• Full-time, 35 hours per week.
• School-based role at IS 126Q (31-51 21st St., Long Island City, NY 11106). 
• Candidates must be available Monday through Friday between 9 am and 6 pm, flexibility needed under special circumstances, as related to school life activities.
• Weekends, before and after school hours, and special event support may be needed and will be planned ahead of time.

Salary and Benefits 

• Annual Salary $60,000
• A comprehensive benefits package is available including paid time off, Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending, transportation benefits, and 401K. 

Application Requirements 

Candidates may apply online through Indeed, Idealist, or LinkedIn. 

About Zone 126 

Zone 126 is a community-based nonprofit organization in Queens, NY whose mission is to ensure the most vulnerable youth residing in Astoria and Long Island City have the education and skills needed to thrive, graduate high school prepared for college or the workforce. Our focus is to improve educational outcomes, promote positive development and social-emotional growth, and college and career readiness.

Zone 126 sees positive community transformation for the children and families living in concentrated pockets of poverty in Queens. Zone 126 partners with service providers within a public school, afterschool, and community setting to deliver a variety of supportive services and youth development programs including arts and cultural enrichment, literacy, mental health, STEM, mentoring, career exploration and college counseling.

For additional information on our sites and programs, visit zone126.org.