Internship - Art Therapist (Nebraska CCBHC)

At Heartland Family Service, we are committed to building a culture that is trauma informed and values and celebrates diversity and inclusion. We believe this allows for better service delivery and innovation, as it encourages our employees to bring various experiences and uniqueness to the workplace.

Trauma Informed Care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives.  Trauma Informed Care also acknowledges the effects of working with trauma survivors on our workforce, and seeks to build collaborative and supportive working environments and relationships.

If you believe in our mission of creating healthy families and communities, and like a fast pace, collaborative and team oriented environment, then Heartland Family Service is the agency for you.

Internship Summary

This Art Therapy Intern will provide direct and indirect art therapy services to clients across diverse settings, including but not limited to individuals with Severe Mental Illness (SMI), youth in therapeutic school environments, adults and adolescents in outpatient mental health care, individuals in residential addiction treatment, and clients residing in shelter-based programs, including those serving survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The intern will deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based art therapy interventions under the supervision of a qualified art therapy supervisor.

Work Schedule: to be discussed upon interview

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate individual and group art therapy sessions for clients with varying clinical needs, including SMI, trauma, and co-occurring disorders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment teams to assess client needs, develop treatment goals, and document client progress.
• Adapt art therapy interventions to meet the developmental, cultural, and clinical needs of each client population served.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation in compliance with agency, state, and federal regulations (including HIPAA).
• Participate in client intakes, treatment planning meetings, case conferences, and discharge planning as appropriate.
• Support crisis intervention efforts and respond appropriately to client emergencies in accordance with agency protocols.
• Engage in reflective supervision, case consultation, and ongoing professional development.
• Assist with program development, evaluation, and outreach activities as assigned.
• Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to the ethical standards of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) and the agency.
• Uphold the agency’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all interactions with clients, staff, and community partners.

 Required Education and Experience

• Currently enrolled in a graduate-level art therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the American Art Therapy Association (AATA).
• Completion of foundational coursework in art therapy theory, ethics, and clinical practice.
• Prior experience (through coursework, practicum, or employment) working with individuals affected by mental illness, trauma, substance use disorders, or related populations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and the unique needs of survivors of violence and exploitation.
• Ability to establish therapeutic rapport and maintain appropriate boundaries with diverse client populations.
• Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills.
• Capacity to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and independently in dynamic environments.
• Flexibility to adapt to multiple program settings and varying client needs.
• Basic knowledge of crisis response and de-escalation techniques. 

Other Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of agency background checks and required health clearances.
• Reliable transportation to multiple program sites as needed.
• Commitment to the duration of the internship as outlined by the academic institution and agency agreement.
• Willingness to participate in agency orientation, ongoing training, and supervision.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to lift and transport art materials as needed.
• Work may occur in a variety of settings, including clinical offices, classrooms, residential facilities, and shelters.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.