Art Therapist

• We're Hiring: Art Therapist (various contracts)

We’re Hiring: Art Therapist (various contracts)

Impact Arts is currently increasing our pool of Art Therapists in order to meet demand for delivery of children’s Art Therapy across Edinburgh City.
Our Art Therapy services in Edinburgh are delivered in group settings within secondary schools, namely; Gracemount, Portobello, Liberton and Holyrood High Schools.
Our Therapeutic group work is delivered where common themes amongst groups of children are identified. A crucial element of this work is to make sure this is a fun, positive and supportive experience and not a stigmatised ‘therapy’ group.
The purpose of the Art Therapist post is to provide Art Therapy for children identified and referred through the Art Therapy Programme, to assess children for suitability for individual therapy/group therapy and to provide therapy and psychotherapy interventions for children in a small group setting.
Caseload numbers will be discussed with the Programme Manager.
We require skilled art therapists who are experienced in working with this client group, of working closely with statutory services to provide holistic care and for whom following robust safeguarding procedures is of utmost priority. In return we offer a supportive and professional working environment with regular supervision from our Art Therapy Supervisor, peer support sessions and support & supervision from the Programme Manager.

Job Title: Art Therapist

Salary: £32,500 per annum pro rata (we have various contracts available, example £6,500 pro rata for 1 day per week)

Location: Secondary Schools in Edinburgh

Travel: May be required between Impact Arts projects.
Travel expenses will be paid if travelling between schools on the same day.

Reporting to: Project Coordinator

Working hours: We are seeking to recruit a number of positions with various working days. Our standard working hours are between 9am and 5pm. Please see below for more information on our flexible working policy.
This role operates within the academic year and as such we encourage staff to take annual leave during school holidays.

Duration of Contract: Initial contract period to 30th June 2027.

Closing date: 9am on Monday 19th October

Interview dates: Expected to be w/c 19th October

Expected start date: As soon as possible

To provide one to one and group art therapy to children in secondary schools across Edinburgh.
To work in partnership with our Programme Manager to deliver and develop the service, ensuring that the desired outcomes for the individuals and project.

Main Responsibilities

• Draw on professional clinical expertise and practice to support current art therapy delivery arrangements
• Assess, develop and implement group and individual therapy / psychotherapy sessions in relevant art forms.
• Make psychological formulations, clinical judgements including risk assessments and provide recommendations for participant care.
• Encourage participants to explore their art and think about what it means to them
• Identify with Impact Arts the potential developments for each participant through the process of art therapy
• Effective and sensitive communication with participants, parents/ carers, professionals, co-workers and project management
• Monitor the development of participants over the course of art therapy sessions and record the impact of the work on the child/families.
• Proactively engage with Impact Arts’ Safeguarding Procedures, sharing information with Impact Arts about the participant and any disclosed information that may put the safety of the child, or anyone else involved in the case at risk.
• Provide paperwork outlining plans, process and developments of the child and to plan an exit strategy
• Keep records to a high standard regarding engagements, progress and outcomes for each child
• Attend case review/ team meetings as required

Person Specification

Impact Arts is looking for people with the following qualities, experience, knowledge and competencies.

Qualifications & Experience

• Professional qualification in Art Psychotherapy
• Minimum 1 year experience of delivering group therapy
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Membership of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) and knowledge of BAAT Code of Ethics
• Experience in delivering creative activity in diverse community settings

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Excellent technical skills in your art form.
• Good time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Personal Skills & Qualities

• Approachable and empathetic manner.
• Energy and commitment.
• Imaginative.
• Excellent communication skills with people of all ages.
• Good self-management, organisational and planning skills.
• Good time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong team player, allowing everyone to play to strengths.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 19th October 2026.

Impact Arts is a community arts charity based in Scotland. Since 1994, we’ve been delivering creative arts and support programmes for children, young people, adults, families, and older people who are facing disadvantages or barriers to progress in life. Our mission is to tackle inequalities, address poverty, and transform lives through art and creativity.

A company registered in Scotland, no SC225422.
A registered charity, no SC032430.

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