BWH Expressive Therapists

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Description: We are looking for a qualified Expressive Therapist to provide expressive arts therapies and psychoeducational groups, individual psychotherapy and recreational activities on inpatient units for adult acute psychiatric treatment, substance use disorder treatment and adolescent acute care on a per diem basis.

Incumbent performs duties in accordance with corporate, organization and department policies and procedures while adhering to the overall mission of Bournewood Health Systems.

Bournewood Health Systems is a behavioral health organization with a main campus in Brookline, MA and various satellite sites in Woburn, Lowell, and Dedham. We are dedicated to providing quality, evidence-based and person-centered treatment for people with mental health and substance use conditions in a safe and respectful environment in partnership with the individuals and families we serve, focusing on support, hope and recovery. We are committed to a philosophy and an environment of care in which we treat people with dignity, respect and mutuality; protect their rights; provide the best care possible; support them in returning to their natural communities; and include patients and families as partners in their treatment. We stand firmly for providing a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, families and staff. All Bournewood employees are continuously trained in this philosophy. All candidates must be able and willing to promote the values of trauma-informed and patient-centered care.

​Salary: negotiable

​Start Date: ASAP

​Openings: part time or per diem days, evenings and weekends

​Qualifications: Must be a graduate from an accredited ET program, preferably with certification and licensure, or license eligible. LMHC supervision provided for those requiring hours for licensure. Prefer at least 1 year of experience working on an inpatient psychiatric and/or substance use disorder treatment program, but excellent communication skills and a consistently positive attitude are the most important qualities for our successful candidate. We are looking for someone who is easygoing and gets along well with others. Must be mature, resourceful, and professional and have the ability to work independently as part of a collaborative and supportive team. This setting requires a confident, flexible, creative therapist who is willing to use a variety of modalities, including ET and verbal therapy to accommodate the ever-changing needs of the short-term inpatient population.

​Location: Brookline, MA

Job Summary:

Provides rehabilitation services for patients. Plans, organizes, and implements appropriate group interventions consistent with individual and group needs and provides individual counseling. Provides some assessment and consultation and collaborates with treatment team.

Essential Functions:

• Develops and conducts group programs
• Provides individual treatment and consultation
• Documents pertinent clinical data following group and individual consult sessions
• Reviews multi-disciplinary treatment plan and identifies rehab based treatment goals and interventions

1. Provides individual assessment to patients as needed and makes recommendations to treatment team regarding needs for specialized rehab services or for planning for discharge and aftercare support.
2. Participates in maintaining inventory of supplies in the rehab department
3. Assists in maintaining unit arts supplies and reports issues to nurse managers and rehab manager

• Assists as necessary for projects, reports, and other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Participates in hospital “code” system as needed
• Participates in DMH/JC/CMS surveys
• Assists with expressive therapy student program and provides student support and formal or informal supervision, as necessary

  Essential Competencies:

1. Effective group facilitation and individual psychotherapy skills
2. Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and their effects on functional capacity

• Knowledge of therapeutic use of multimedia and expressive arts modalities to support stabilization and rehabilitation
• Understanding of age, socioeconomic, and cultural factors affecting patients’ interest and ability to participate in rehabilitation programs
• Ability to effectively redirect patients and set clear, timely limits on inappropriate behavior
• Knowledge of biological and socio-cultural dimensions influencing chemical dependency
• Ability to maintain positive attitude and enthusiasm throughout the day

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Expressive Therapies, Art, Music, Dance-Movement, Recreation or Occupational Therapy or related area. (Master’s preferred.)
• Eligible for professional certification or licensure with state or national professional affiliation preferred, if applicable
• Successful completion of field work in mental health or one year full time employment.

Physical Criteria:

• Must be able to walk up and down stairs
• Must be able to use telephone
• Must be able to carry supplies necessary for facilitating group and individual Rehab Therapy work