POSITION SUMMARY
OnPoint NYC is seeking a compassionate Creative Art Therapist with a strong understanding of harm reduction principles to support individuals impacted by drug use, trauma, and mental health challenges. This role integrates creative expression with therapeutic techniques in a non-judgmental, client-centered environment to promote healing, self-awareness, and empowerment throughout. The ideal candidate values autonomy, meets individuals where they are, and contributes to a trauma-informed, inclusive care team.
Responsibilities:
Facilitate brief interventions in the drop-in center, the holistic center and the overdose prevention center, engaging participants and educating them about services.
Plan and facilitate trauma-informed, culturally responsive art sessions tailored to individuals and groups, with a focus on those active in or recovering from drug use.
Provide expressive therapy sessions using art, music, movement, or drama-based techniques.
Provide strategic guidance for developing/maintaining arts programming across the organization including curricular design, facilitator training/support, and outcomes documentation.
Integrate harm reduction principles into therapeutic practice, supporting participant autonomy, safety, and dignity without requiring abstinence.
Utilize range of creative arts to help participants process trauma, explore emotions.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including case managers, peer support workers, nurses, and social workers to ensure coordinated care.
Assess and develop individualized art therapy treatment plans that reflect participant goals and lived experiences.
Create a safe, engaging space for clients to explore self-expression through creative arts
Provide crisis de-escalation and emotional regulation support as needed during sessions.
Participate in outreach or drop-in programs that serve marginalized populations (e.g., unhoused individuals, sex workers, people who use drugs).
Design and facilitate engaging art lessons for program participants, including drama, dance, and visual arts
Produce written reports, publications, presentations, and/or relevant portions of funding proposals as needed.
Develops projects to showcase Art Therapy, including display of artwork and creative writing, art exhibitions, and drama/dance performances.
Continuously monitor and report on outcomes, engagement and participant satisfaction, and work with the Data and Evaluation department to implement a comprehensive quality management plan that includes the development of appropriate performance measures.
Attend various trainings required for service provision
Conduct a pre- and post-survey during facilitated art sessions
Track participant use severity, use frequency, and frustration tolerance throughout program participation through self-assessment and observation.
Monitor the condition of all related equipment and materials and maintain appropriate supplies, coordinating ordering when needed.
Perform other related tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy
Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and culturally safe practices.
Must have strong interpersonal and team building skills, excellent communication and presentation skills, and the ability and willingness to be hands-on and creatively solve problems as they arise.
Must be organized, detail oriented and able to multitask in a high-paced environment.
Must be comfortable deescalating conflict.
Maintains respect and compassion for all clients being served, regardless of their active drug use or treatment compliance.
Must be dedicated to advancing an agenda of equal rights and social justice for marginalized individuals, especially through participation in advocacy and community activism.
Strong understanding of the intersectionality of mental health, drug use, and systemic oppression.
Must be committed to the principles of Harm Reduction and to working with low-income people who use drugs and who are sex workers.
Excellent communication, de-escalation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred.
HOW TO APPLY
Go to Indeed and submit a cover letter and resume outlining your experience and/or interest in harm reduction,
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
403(b) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid jury duty
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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