ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Poetry Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sage Eldercare Solutions

$39 - $41/hr

Degree or formal training in Expressive Arts Therapy, Recreation Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Drama/Psychodrama Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Poetry Therapy, Play Therapy, Nature-Based/Eco ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEducation JobsHigher Education JobsEnglish Professor JobsPoetry Therapy Jobs

Poetry Therapy information

See salary details

$9

$28

$65

How much do poetry therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for poetry therapy in the United States is $28.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $39.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is poetry therapy?

A Poetry Therapy job involves using poetry, creative writing, and expressive language to support emotional healing and personal growth. Poetry therapists work with individuals or groups in various settings, such as hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, and community centers. They guide clients in reading, writing, and discussing poetry to process emotions, build self-awareness, and foster resilience. This therapeutic approach can be beneficial for individuals dealing with stress, trauma, or mental health challenges.

What are the typical work settings and daily responsibilities for a poetry therapist?

Poetry Therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. On a typical day, they facilitate individual or group sessions, guiding participants in reading, writing, and discussing poetry as a tool for self-expression and emotional exploration. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals or educators to tailor sessions to the needs of clients. Documentation of client progress and ongoing session planning are also important parts of the role. This variety provides both a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across different populations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the poetry therapy position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Poetry Therapist, you typically need a background in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with formal training in poetry therapy or expressive arts therapy. Certification from organizations like the International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy (IFBPT) and familiarity with therapeutic writing and group facilitation methods are often required. Exceptional listening skills, empathy, and creative communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are essential for fostering emotional healing and growth through poetry in diverse therapeutic settings.

How do you become a poetry therapist?

To become a poetry therapist, one typically needs a master's degree in mental health, counseling, or a related field, along with specialized training in poetry therapy through accredited programs such as the National Association for Poetry Therapy. Certification from a recognized organization and experience in counseling or therapy are also important for practicing as a poetry therapist.
More about Poetry Therapy jobs

What states have the most Poetry Therapy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Poetry Therapy jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Poetry Therapy jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Poetry Therapy jobs are:

Poetry Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Poetry Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% As Needed, and 90% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,518 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Creative Arts Therapist (Provisional) - 3 Days/Week (FTE 0.6)

Nassau BOCES

Garden City, NY

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Nassau BOCES rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 223 rated education and training

Job description

You must have the qualifications to become a provisional hire in the Creative Arts Therapist title; you will be required to take the exam when announced by Nassau County Civil Service.

NOTE: This position is for a 3 day per week work schedule.

This is an official Civil Service job specification. Wherever the specification refers to "patients," it should be interpreted as students within our school districts.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Plans, develops, and conducts creative arts therapy programs and activities for groups or individual patients; performs related duties as required.

COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES:

Under general supervision, the duties require the use of independent judgment in planning, developing, and conducting creative arts therapy programs and activities for groups or individual patients.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

  1. Plans, develops, and conducts creative arts therapy programs and activities for groups or individual patients.
  2. Develops and selects constructive activities, situations, and adaptive devices suited to patient's specific physical and/or emotional needs and physician's recommendations.
  3. Works with psychologists and a team to identify, evaluate, and treat mental health disorders.
  4. Performs creative arts therapy in specific disciplines, including but not limited to: dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, poetry therapy, and art therapy.
  5. Makes adjustments in the program in accordance with patient's progress.
  6. Instructs persons in the home care of patient.
  7. Maintains an accurate record of each patient's work and progress, and prepares oral and written reports.
  8. Participates in staff conferences.
  9. Requisitions supplies and equipment.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  1. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of creative arts therapy.
  2. Considerable knowledge of occupational and recreational materials and equipment.
  3. Considerable knowledge of applicable health and safety precautionary measures.
  4. Ability to plan specific treatment programs in accordance with indicated needs of patient and physician's recommendations.
  5. Ability to create and sustain patient interest in an activity.
  6. Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare oral and written reports.
  7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, and patients and their families.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Training and Experience

Possession of a current, valid license to practice as a Creative Arts Therapist in New York State.

NOTE; In lieu of the above, possession of a limited permit to practice at an appropriate school district is acceptable.
 

Non-Discrimination Statement
The Nassau BOCES offers employment and educational opportunities without regard to age, color, creed, disability, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, predisposing genetic characteristics, race, religion (including religious practice and/or expression), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, victim of domestic violence status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law. In accordance with Federal law, the Nassau BOCES shall provide equal facility access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Nassau BOCES does not discriminate or take any retaliatory action against an employee with respect to compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment because of the employee's or dependent's reproductive health decision-making. Additional information is available by contacting the following individuals: Sammy Gergis, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources, Department of Human Resources at 516-396-2358, sgergis@nasboces.org and/or Mark Raimondi - Acting Director, Department of Human Resources at 516-396-2347, mraimondi@nasboces.org. For further information, please see Policies 0100 Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination; 0110 Sexual Harassment and 0115 Dignity for All Students Act. A complete version of the Non-Discrimination Statement and the Policy Manual are available on the Nassau BOCES website at www.nassauboces.org.



What Nassau BOCES employees say

Benefits

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply