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Entry Level Art Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Behavioral Health Technician

Lees Summit, MO · On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you're going to school to be a Mental Health Therapist, we have a proven track record of helping ... Facilitate group activities (art, music, recreation) to build coping skills * Provide behavioral ...

Behavioral Health Technician

Lees Summit, MO · On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you're going to school to be a Mental Health Therapist, we have a proven track record of helping ... Facilitate group activities (art, music, recreation) to build coping skills * Provide behavioral ...

Behavioral Health Technician

Lone Jack, MO · On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you're going to school to be a Mental Health Therapist, we have a proven track record of helping ... Facilitate group activities (art, music, recreation) to build coping skills * Provide behavioral ...

Night Watch

Independence, MO

$19.75 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you're going to school to be a Mental Health Therapist, we have a proven track record of helping ... Facilitate group activities (art, music, recreation) to build coping skills * Provide behavioral ...

Behavioral Health Technician

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you're going to school to be a Mental Health Therapist, we have a proven track record of helping ... Facilitate group activities (art, music, recreation) to build coping skills * Provide behavioral ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Art Therapy information

See salary details

$28.5K

$66.3K

$101K

How much do entry level art therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level art therapy in the United States is $66,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level art therapy job?

An entry level art therapy job is a position designed for individuals who have recently completed their education in art therapy or a related field and are beginning their professional careers. These roles typically involve assisting licensed art therapists in providing therapeutic art activities to clients under supervision. Entry level art therapists may work in settings such as hospitals, schools, community centers, or mental health clinics. Responsibilities often include preparing materials, supporting group sessions, and documenting clients' progress. This experience helps new professionals gain practical skills and work towards full licensure.

What is the difference between Entry Level Art Therapy vs Entry Level Art Therapist?

AspectEntry Level Art TherapyEntry Level Art Therapist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in art therapy or related field; certification not always requiredTypically requires a bachelor's degree in art therapy or related field; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, community centersHospitals, mental health clinics, schools, private practices
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in job listings and industry discussionsOften the official job title for practicing professionals

Entry Level Art Therapy generally refers to roles suitable for those starting in the field, often requiring relevant education but not necessarily certification. Entry Level Art Therapist is a common job title for newly qualified professionals practicing art therapy. Both roles share similar work environments and industry usage, with the main difference being the job title's formality and certification requirements.

How do you get into entry level art therapy?

To enter an entry-level art therapy position, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in art therapy, psychology, or a related field, along with relevant experience or internships. Many roles require certification or licensure, such as the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) certification, and strong skills in art techniques and client communication are beneficial.

What types of clients and settings can entry level art therapists expect to work with in their first role?

Entry-level art therapists often work with a diverse range of clients, including children, adolescents, and adults facing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. Common settings include hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and residential treatment facilities. In your first role, you may assist with group or individual sessions under supervision, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and help design art-based interventions tailored to clients’ unique needs. This variety offers valuable experience and helps develop a broad skill set early in your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level art therapist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Art Therapist, you need foundational knowledge in psychology and art therapy, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field and supervised clinical experience. Familiarity with therapeutic assessment tools, documentation systems, and, in some settings, progress toward art therapy certification is common. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, creativity, and active listening help build rapport and foster a supportive therapeutic environment. These skills enable effective client engagement and meaningful therapeutic outcomes, which are crucial for success in art therapy roles.

How to start a career in entry level art therapy?

To start a career in entry-level art therapy, obtain a bachelor's degree in art therapy, psychology, or a related field, and gain experience through internships or volunteer work. Pursuing a master's degree and certification from the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) can improve job prospects and professional credibility.
More about Entry Level Art Therapy jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Art Therapy jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Art Therapy job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Art Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Art Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Art Therapy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Art Therapy jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Art Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,321 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Activities Coordinator Entry

Hawaii Health Systems Corp

Waimea, HI • On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

LOCATION: KAUAI VETERANS MEM HOSP | Recreational Therapy
POSITION STATUS: 1.00 | Temporary
SALARY RANGE: BU10 | HE08
SALARY RATE: $63,600.00 (Annual Salary) based on the FTE
JOB DUTIES: This is a regional position based in the Recreational Therapy (RT) department of the Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) Kaua'i Region, a public benefit corporation of the State of Hawai'i. The HHSC Kaua'i Region includes Kaua'i Veterans Memorial Hospital (KVMH) and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital (SMMH), both designated as critical access hospitals (CAH), along with the Kaua'i Region Clinics and affiliated entities.
The Recreational Therapy department plays a vital role in enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals by utilizing structured recreational activities as therapeutic interventions. Its primary function is to assess, plan, and implement personalized activities that address physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs, promoting recovery, rehabilitation, and improved mental health. Through creative and engaging programs in art, music, physical activities, and social interaction, the department fosters independence, improves coping skills, and enhances socialization, helping individuals achieve their personal goals and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
As an entry-level Activities Coordinator, you will play a vital role in planning, organizing, and executing a variety of engaging activities and events that foster community spirit and enhance the overall experience for our patients. In this role, you will collaborate with our vibrant team to design and implement exciting programs tailored to diverse interests and age groups. You will coordinate logistics, manage schedules, and ensure every detail is perfect for our events. Engaging with participants, gathering feedback, and continuously innovating to enhance our offerings will be key aspects of your responsibilities. You will help foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and excited to participate.
This position may be required to work on shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. It may require travel to various facilities within the region to meet operational requirements and patient care demands.
This position reports directly to the Recreational Therapist V, position number 60586, or their designee.
THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS ARE: Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Please note that unless specifically indicated, the required education and experiences may not be gained concurrently. In addition, qualifying work experiences are based on a 40-hour work week. Applicants are required to provide evidence of education, certification, and licensure.
Education: A High School diploma or the equivalency is preferred.
Experience: Three (3) years of work experience in a health facility, in which the major duties involved planning and implementing patient/resident activity programs and treatment procedures.
Knowledge and Abilities: Must have demonstrated basic knowledge of assessing and re-accessing patient/resident activity interest, needs, and concerns; understand human growth and development; and the ability to set up treatment plans; write progress notes; communicate and deal effectively with patients/residents and their families; and work effectively with others. Learn how to supervise and direct the work of subordinates.
Certification Required: Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Workers issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) must be obtained within six (6) months of employment.
Licensure: A current, valid State of Hawai'i Type 3 Driver's License is preferred.
Desirable Qualifications: Team player; patience; neatness; reliability; resourcefulness; and punctuality; Valid State of Hawaii driver's license; successful completion of training curriculum and passing a competency evaluation test approved by the State of Hawai'i, and in accordance with the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987.
Substitutions Allowed:
  • Graduation from an Activity Professionals Program approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, Level 1 -Activity Assistant Certified (AAC), may substitute for all of the entry-level work experience.
  • Graduation from an Occupational Therapy Program approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association and currently registered by the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (N.B.C.O.T.) and registered with the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs may substitute for all of the full performance work experience.
  • Graduation from a Therapeutic Recreation Program approved by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society and currently certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) may substitute for all of the full performance work experience.
  • Graduation from an Activities Professionals Program approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (N.C.C.A.P.), Level 2-Activity Director Certified (ADC) may substitute for all of the full performance work experience.

ALL CIVIL SERVICE JOB VACANCIES WILL BE POSTED FOR A MINIMUM OF TEN (10) CALENDAR DAYS
The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable state and federal laws relating to employment practices
QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE: Possession of the required amount of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. Overall paid or unpaid experience must have been of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of this position. Provide a detailed description of your duties and responsibilities. If you worked on a part-time basis, indicate the average number of hours worked per week. Please note that experience will be based on a 40-hour workweek. Note: We will not postpone the recruitment process because of your failure to provide accurate and complete information concerning your qualifications.
MERIT OR CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM: You must meet the minimum qualification requirements, including education, experience, other public employment requirements for State Civil Service employment, and HHSC Standards of Fitness. Only those applicants that are scheduled for an interview with the hiring manager will be contacted.
CITIZENSHIP AND RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be a citizen, national or permanent resident alien of the United States or a non-citizen eligible under the federal law for unrestricted employment and at the time of appointment intend to reside in the State of Hawaii during the course of employment with the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214 and/or other substantiating documents specifying the periods of your service.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must meet the health and physical requirements deemed necessary to effectively and safely perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation is committed to making reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Applicants seeking reasonable accommodations should be ready to discuss the accommodation sought so that a determination can be made that such accommodation is reasonable and would not cause the employer undue hardship.
MEDICAL/PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT: Offers of employment will be contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment physical examination, which includes drug screen and other regulatory medical requirements such as, but not limited to, two-step tuberculosis (TB) screen. The cost for physical examinations, except the cost for drug screening, shall be borne by the applicant and not the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.
CRIMINAL/BACKGROUND, CREDENTIALING CHECKS: Applicable checks will be conducted periodically, and any associated costs may be borne by the applicant. Applicable checks may include, but are not limited to, state and federal criminal history records, child abuse and neglect registry check, adult protective services registry and sex offender registry records, etc. If a job offer is made or employment is begun prior to completion of all applicable checks, any offer of employment or continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory return of all required checks.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION/EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Administrative Review, subsequent appeals: If you do not agree with a decision made by the Employment Office as to your non-qualification or non-selection for a position, you may complete a Request for Administrative Review form (available on the HHSC website) or you may submit a written request within twenty (20) days from the date of your sent notice to the Regional Chief Executive Officer/Designee. Your letter requesting the Administrative Review must include: 1) The job title(s) and recruitment number(s), 2) the specific reason(s) you are requesting the review noting if there is statute or rule violation, and 3) any additional information you want to submit to substantiate your request. If you do not submit your request within the twenty (20) days deadline, no Administrative Review will be conducted. Since the Administrative Review is a prerequisite to subsequent steps, failure to utilize this process will make you ineligible for subsequent appeals. The administrative review, formal complaint and/or appeals hearing will not necessarily postpone the recruitment process and/or rescind a selection. If you do not agree with the Administrative Review, you may file a Formal Compliant and then, if you are still not satisfied, you can appeal to the HHSC Merit Appeals Board.
CONTACT INFORMATION: SAMUEL MAHELONA MEM HOSP is located at 4800 Kawaihau Road, Kapaa, HI 96746. For employment opportunities, please contact KVMH: (808)338-6133 | SMMH: (808)823-4145, email: kauaijobs@hhsc.org or visit our website at https://www.hhsc.org/.
Persons with Disabilities may contact the Recruitment Office to discuss special needs in applying at KVMH: (808)338-6133 | SMMH: (808)823-4145, kauaijobs@hhsc.org.