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Expressive Arts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expressive Therapist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and ... relationships in Teaching Artists, interns, volunteers and staff or partner organizations.

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and ... relationships in Teaching Artists, interns, volunteers and staff or partner organizations.

The Expressive Arts Therapist is an active member of the treatment team and is responsible in developing individualized interventions to assist patients in meeting their treatment goals. The ...

These positions design and implement creative/expressive arts therapy interventions to meet the patients' treatment goals and documents the patients' response and progress towards the goals ...

These positions design and implement creative/expressive arts therapy interventions to meet the patients' treatment goals and documents the patients' response and progress towards the goals ...

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Expressive Arts information

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$9

$27

$38

How much do expressive arts jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for expressive arts in the United States is $27.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can you do with a certificate in expressive arts therapy?

A certificate in expressive arts therapy prepares individuals to facilitate creative therapies using art, music, dance, or drama to support emotional and psychological well-being. Graduates can work as expressive arts therapists in mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, or private practice, often requiring additional licensing or certification depending on the region. The certification enhances skills in creative expression and therapeutic techniques, enabling practitioners to help clients process emotions and improve mental health through various artistic modalities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Expressive Arts Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Expressive Arts Therapist, you need a background in psychology or counseling, specialized training in expressive arts therapies, and often a relevant certification or licensure. Familiarity with creative modalities such as art, music, drama, and movement therapies, as well as documentation and assessment tools, is important. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to build trust help therapists connect with clients and facilitate healing. These skills and qualities are vital for supporting client growth and providing effective, holistic therapeutic interventions.

What is the field of expressive arts?

The field of expressive arts involves using creative processes such as visual arts, music, dance, drama, and writing to promote emotional expression, healing, and personal growth. Professionals in this field often work in therapeutic, educational, or community settings, utilizing various artistic tools and techniques to facilitate self-awareness and communication.

How does an Expressive Arts Therapist typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting?

Expressive Arts Therapists often work closely with a multidisciplinary team that may include psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and medical doctors. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to discuss client progress, share observations, and coordinate care plans to ensure a holistic approach to treatment. Effective communication is key, as the therapist may need to advocate for the value of arts-based interventions and integrate them with other therapeutic modalities. This collaborative environment allows for comprehensive support of clients' emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.

What are expressive arts?

Expressive arts refer to a range of creative practices, such as visual arts, music, dance, drama, and writing, used for personal growth, healing, and self-expression. In therapeutic or educational settings, expressive arts professionals help clients explore emotions, improve well-being, and develop coping skills through artistic activities. This approach values the creative process over the final product and is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

What is the difference between Expressive Arts vs Art Therapist?

AspectExpressive ArtsArt Therapist
CredentialsVaries; often includes arts training, certifications in specific art formsMaster's degree in art therapy or related field, licensure often required
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, workshops, therapy settingsHospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, schools
Industry UsageBroadly used in education, therapy, community programsPrimarily in mental health and clinical therapy
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring creative therapy options or arts-based programsIndividuals seeking mental health support through art therapy

While both roles involve using art for expression and healing, Expressive Arts practitioners focus on a broad range of creative activities and community engagement, whereas Art Therapists are licensed professionals providing clinical mental health treatment through art-based methods.

What is the highest paid job in art?

In the field of expressive arts, high-paying roles include art directors, who oversee visual styles in media and advertising, and creative directors in advertising or entertainment, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and a portfolio demonstrating expertise in visual communication and project management.

What is expressive art work?

Expressive arts work involves using creative activities such as painting, drawing, dance, music, or drama to communicate emotions, ideas, or experiences. Professionals in this field often facilitate therapy or educational programs that promote self-expression and emotional well-being through various art forms.
More about Expressive Arts jobs
What cities are hiring for Expressive Arts jobs? Cities with the most Expressive Arts job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Expressive Arts jobs? The most popular types of Expressive Arts jobs are:
What states have the most Expressive Arts jobs? States with the most job openings for Expressive Arts jobs include:
Infographic showing various Expressive Arts job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 91% Physical, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,167 per year, or $28 per hour.
Recreation/Activity Therapist III

Recreation/Activity Therapist III

Paradise Valley Hospital

Chula Vista, CA • On-site

$32.77/hr

Per diem

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conducts a therapeutic recreation program within the hospital to facilitate rehabilitation of the physically and mentally disabled.

  • Directs patient participation in selected activities such as games, social activities, sports or music to create an atmosphere of sociability, provide a means of creative expression, and facilitate the learning of skills for recreating during hospitalization and after discharge.

  • Creates an environment that allows the patient to explore their own potential, cultivate positive morale, and minimize distress of illness.


Paradise Valley Hospital rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 1,004 rated hospitals


Job description

Overview
Join an award-winning team of dedicated professionals committed to our core values of quality, compassion and community! Paradise Valley Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, offers incredible opportunities to expand your horizons and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.
Paradise Valley Hospital is the South Bay's oldest hospital, the second oldest hospital in all of San Diego County, and the largest employer in National City. For more than 100 years, Paradise Valley Hospital has served San Diego faithfully, proud of our heritage and providing numerous programs and services to meet the changing needs of our community. Our 291-bed, acute care hospital features
the San Diego Spine & Joint Center, a highly credentialed acute rehabilitation center, our Paradise Health & Senior Center, a fully equipped and modern cardiac catheterization lab, and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient surgical services, and 24-hour emergency services.
In addition to our healthcare services, we offer comprehensive behavioral health services on the hospital campus and Bayview campus in Chula Vista. Services include psychiatric continuum of care for adult patients, inpatient services, and intensive outpatient services. Learn more at https://www.paradisevalleyhospital.net/.
Responsibilities
Conducts a therapeutic recreation program within the hospital to facilitate rehabilitation of the physically and mentally disabled. The Activity Therapist directs patient participation in selected activities such as games, social activities, sports or music to create an atmosphere of sociability, to provide a means of creative expression and to facilitate the learning skills for recreating during hospitalization and after discharge in the community. Creates an environment that allows the patient to explore his/her own potential, cultivate positive morale and minimize distress of illness.
Qualifications
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
1. Is a Board Certified in Recreation Therapy or Art Therapist or Expressive Arts Therapy or related field or is Board Certified Recreation Therapy or Art Therapist or Expressive Arts Therapy or related field and has an approved Licensure in the state of California.
2. Bachelors or Master's Degree in Recreation Therapy or Art Therapist or Expressive Arts Therapy or related field.
3. Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or Registered Therapeutic Recreater (RTR) preferred.
4. Minimum one (1) year experience in Behavioral Healthcare, rehabilitative or SNF setting preferred.
Pay Transparency
Paradise Valley Hospital offers competitive compensation and a reasonable compensation estimate for this role is $32.77 to $32.77. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.
Employment Status
Per Diem
Shift
Variable
Equal Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf
Privacy Notice
Privacy Notice for California Applicants: https://www.primehealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Notice-at-Collection-and-Privacy-Policy-for-California-Job-Applicants.pdf