Music Therapist - Special Education Preschool - Manhattan

We are currently seeking a Certified Creative Arts Therapist to provide Art Therapy in our Manhattan Children's Program supporting children with developmental disabilities. This is a Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm opportunity.

Why Join ADAPT? It's more than a job; it's a calling. It's where passion meets purpose. ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support. With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives. Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

For your next career move, apply with us at ADAPT Community Network! Wherever you work among our many locations around New York City, ADAPT offers paid training, competitive benefits, and we foster a team culture of learning, support, collaboration and career growth.

SUMMARY

Under general supervision and the direction of the Program Director or Designee, The Creative Arts Therapist provides therapeutic services to students using creative arts modalities including, but not limited to, art therapy, music therapy, dance/movement therapy, or drama therapy. Using developmentally appropriate, evidence-based therapeutic approaches, the Creative Arts Therapist supports students’ emotional, social, behavioral, and developmental growth through individualized and group interventions. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team within the school program, the Creative Arts Therapist develops and implements treatment plans aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and collaborates with educators, clinicians, and support staff to promote student well-being and participation in the educational environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides individual and group creative arts therapy services utilizing a specialized modality such as art, music, dance/movement, or drama therapy.
• Conducts assessments to determine students’ therapeutic needs, abilities, and areas for development.
• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans consistent with students’ IEP goals and therapeutic objectives.
• Documents services provided and maintains accurate and timely clinical records in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Participates in the development, implementation, and review of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Collaborates with teachers, therapists, psychologists, and other interdisciplinary team members to support students’ educational and therapeutic goals.
• Utilizes creative arts interventions to promote communication, emotional expression, social interaction, self-regulation, and overall developmental progress.
• Modifies therapeutic interventions and materials to meet the unique needs and abilities of students with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
• Maintains therapeutic materials, equipment, and workspaces in a safe, organized, and appropriate manner.
• Ensures services are delivered with respect for each student’s dignity, privacy, and confidentiality.
• Attends interdisciplinary meetings, staff meetings, and required professional development activities.
• Maintains current licensure and participates in continuing education and training related to creative arts therapies and best practices.
• Implements universal precautions and follows all agency safety and infection control procedures.
• Initiates precautions within established frameworks to ensure work is completed in a safe and hazard‑free manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Master’s Degree preferred.
• One year of prior experience preferred, particularly within programs serving children with developmental disabilities.
• Current NYSED CAT license, preferred.
• Board Certification by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
• Accredited by the American Art Therapy Association or another acceptable accrediting agency, preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with individuals served, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in the use of a personal computer and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and professional integrity.
• Demonstrated empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity when working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Passion for ADAPT Community Network’s mission and the nonprofit sector.

COMPENSATION

Up to $79,500 Annually + Industry Leading Benefits! At ADAPT, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported with leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture. ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.