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Position Summary

The Creative Arts Therapy Intern supports expressive arts and therapeutic programming for individuals served by The Kennedy Collective while completing an approved academic internship or practicum as part of a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program. Under the supervision of qualified staff, the intern assists with art-based interventions, individualized supports, documentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities for individuals to explore creative expression, develop artistic skills, and participate in community and enterprise initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Professional Ethics & Confidentiality
• Person-Centered Practice
• Learning Agility & Professional Growth
• Trauma-Informed & Therapeutic Support
• Equity, Inclusion & Cultural Humility
• Communication & Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Creative Arts Therapy Internship Functions

• Assist in planning, preparing, and facilitating creative arts therapy-informed groups and individual art experiences using varied media, techniques, and themes appropriate to participant interests and support needs.
• Support art experiences that interface respectfully with clinical, behavioral, sensory, and person-centered goals under direction of the Manager of Art Innovations, supervising clinician, or assigned program supervisor.
• Create a supportive studio environment by preparing materials, maintaining supplies, promoting safe use of tools, and helping participants access the appropriate medium, tool, paper, adaptive support, or theme for success.
• Observe participant engagement and communicate relevant observations to the supervisor or interdisciplinary team in accordance with agency and internship documentation expectations.
• Assist with the development and implementation of art curriculums, projects, exhibitions, seasonal markets, enterprise initiatives, and community-based opportunities as assigned.
• Support participant choice, creative expression, independence, and skill development while maintaining a respectful, person-centered approach.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and accurate documentation consistent with The Kennedy Collective standards, funding requirements, and internship program expectations.
• Participate in supervision, feedback, training, and reflective learning activities connected to the internship placement.

Program and General Responsibilities

• Collaborate with program staff to promote a productive, professional, inclusive, and respectful work environment.
• Participate in required in-service, internship, agency, DDS, safety, and compliance trainings as assigned.
• Provide direct support to individuals as appropriate to placement, training, and supervision, which may include assistance with activities of daily living when assigned and properly trained.
• Maintain open communication with supervisors, program staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary team as relevant to individual needs and internship responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties, projects, and learning assignments as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Current enrollment in Albertus Magnus College's Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Program.
• Demonstrated interest, academic preparation, or experience in art therapy, counseling, expressive arts, human services, or disability supports.
• Ability to use varied art media safely and creatively, and willingness to learn adaptive approaches that support participant choice, independence, and creative expression.
• Ability to communicate clearly in oral and written form and work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet-based tools.
• Must complete and maintain required agency, internship, PMT, CPR, and safety certifications or trainings as applicable to placement requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in art, psychology, counseling, human services, expressive therapies, or related field, or as required by the academic program.
• Experience working with people with disabilities or in a human services, therapeutic, educational, or community arts setting.
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations; bilingual skills preferred.
• Valid driver license and satisfactory driving record if community-based transportation or travel is required for assignment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of art materials, creative processes, and safe studio practices.
• Ability to support art-making experiences with flexibility, patience, professionalism, and respect for individual choice.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow supervision, integrate feedback, and work collaboratively across program teams.
• Ability to manage multiple learning responsibilities, deadlines, and documentation expectations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to participate in studio, program, and community-based activities that may require prolonged periods of walking, sitting, standing, lifting, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and move art materials and supplies up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Depending on assignment and training, may assist with personalized care, mobility support, first aid, safety evacuations, or physical crisis intervention techniques.
• Must be able to work in a variety of settings and locations as assigned, including studio, program, community, and exhibition environments.

Working Conditions

• Primarily studio and program-based environment, with possible community, exhibition, or event-based activities.
• Regular interaction with individuals served, program staff, supervisors, families or guardians as appropriate, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Schedule and placement expectations may vary based on academic program requirements and agency needs.

Success Measures

• Successfully supports creative arts therapy-informed programming under supervision.
• Maintains timely communication, documentation, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
• Demonstrates growth in person-centered practice, adaptive art support, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Contributes to safe, inclusive, and meaningful art experiences for individuals served by The Kennedy Collective.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation

• This is an unpaid internship completed as part of an approved academic internship or practicum program. No wages or salary are provided for this position.

Benefits

• As an unpaid internship, this position is not eligible for employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, or other employer-sponsored benefits. Interns may receive academic credit and supervised clinical experience in accordance with Albertus Magnus College internship requirements and The Kennedy Collective's internship program.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Kennedy Collective is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The Kennedy Collective also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.