Arts and Crafts Instructor

PURPOSE OF POSITION: To ensure effective use of the Craft Cottage, providing services that compliment the therapeutic milieu and reinforce and support the Mercy Model. 

 Schedule: Part-Time Monday & Wednesday 1pm to 9pm, Tuesday & Thursday 1pm to 6pm, Summer schedule may vary

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

·  At least 21 years of age. 

·  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.  

·  At least two years of experience with adolescents, ideally in a community, residential or educational setting 

·  Experience in arts and crafts instruction and experience working with groups. 

·  Ability to stock craft cottage, which includes moving and storing art supplies. 

·  A valid Illinois driver’s license, ability to drive a van, maintain a clear driving record, and retain driving approval through the department of Children and Family Services. 

·  Regular and predictable attendance. 

·  Ability to work both independently and as an active team member. 

·  Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. 

·  Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences. 

·  Ability to maintain professional demeanor while exercising judgment and discretion in work. 

·  Ability to follow oral and written instructions. 

·  Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and professional journals.   

·  Ability to write reports and correspondence. 

·  Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the ability to become proficient in other software packages and programs. 

·  Ability to maintain confidentiality. 

• Ability to attend required Agency trainings and maintain necessary training compliance. Flexibility to attend daytime trainings or sessions outside of regularly scheduled hours.

·  Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the Agency. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   

• Develop, implement, manage and monitor all operational, administrative and programmatic processes and activities related to the craft cottage.
• Maintain overall organization, cleanliness and welcoming environment of craft cottage.
• Ensure adequate supplies and inventory items in the Craft Cottage; work with Director to purchase necessary supplies.
• Create weekly lesson plans for projects and a monthly calendar of events/ activities/ workshops/ upcoming projects for the cottage.
• Conduct weekly group sessions for all the Walsh Campus homes and provide one-on-one sessions for youth with interest in art or those that use art as a therapeutic tool.
• Supervise and provide direction to youth who are employed in the Craft Cottage.
• Contribute to the quarterly ITP’s for youth who participate in the Craft Cottage.
• Effectively communicate with coworkers and youth for the workshops offered, ensuring services are meeting the needs of the homes and youth.
• In collaboration with Director and Coordinator-Tutoring and After School Programs, create and implement summer enrichment program.
• Work on special projects with the youth related to upcoming holidays, cultural celebrations and events (may require communication with other departments, such as Advancement and Spiritual Development)
• Work on agency projects that span across campuses, as needed.
• Maintain good communication and rapport between Craft Cottage and programs, especially in regard to the youth.  Attend team meetings as necessary.
• Employ all aspects of de-escalation and behavior management techniques as outlined in CPI protocol. 
• Learn, align with, and execute the treatment philosophies, modalities and practices of the Agency.
• Actively engage in learning and integrating developmentally appropriate, attachment-informed, and trauma-responsive theory and practice consistent with the Mercy Model of Care Framework.