Expressive Therapist

ABOUT US

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.

SUMMARY

The Expressive Therapist at Loretto Hospital will play a crucial role in enhancing the emotional and psychological well-being of patients through creative therapeutic techniques. This position focuses on utilizing art, music, and other expressive modalities to facilitate healing and self-expression among individuals facing various mental health challenges. The therapist will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to develop personalized treatment plans that cater to the unique needs of each patient. By fostering a safe and supportive environment, the therapist will encourage patients to explore their feelings and experiences, ultimately leading to improved mental health outcomes. The end result of this role is to empower patients to express themselves, gain insight into their emotions, and enhance their overall quality of life.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides group and individual therapy sessions suitable to patient’s treatment goals.
• Documents treatment plans in the medical record.
• Tracks and documents patient progress in group logs in the medical record, including progress notes as needed.
• Communicates ideas regarding patient care and progress to a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Participates in monthly departmental supervision meetings. 
• Uses clinical tools to assist in crisis intervention in the milieu.            
• Provides patients with psychosocial, psycho-educational, and self-help community resource information.  
• Actively participates in hospital wide events that demonstrate support for both the patients we serve and the multidisciplinary team we work alongside.
• Works with patient’s families and allied healthcare workers as necessary to assist the patients to their attainable level of wellness through education.
• Performs other duties as assigned.    
  

COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.   For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Job Duties” are essential job functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Expressive Arts Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, or a related field.
• Experience working in a healthcare setting, particularly with diverse populations.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Expressive Arts Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, or a related field

Skills:

The required skills for this position include strong communication and interpersonal abilities, which are essential for building rapport with patients and facilitating effective therapy sessions. Creativity is vital, as the therapist will need to design engaging and meaningful activities that resonate with patients. Empathy and active listening skills will be utilized daily to understand patients' experiences and provide appropriate support. Additionally, organizational skills are necessary for maintaining accurate documentation and managing multiple patient cases. Preferred skills, such as knowledge of trauma-informed care, will enhance the therapist's ability to create a safe and supportive environment for all patients.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk as well as occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Using proper body mechanics, the employee may be expected to lift, pull, push or move patients and/or equipment.  Fine motor skills are required when using hands and fingers to handle, feel or reach.  Normal or corrected vision, hearing and ability to speak are necessary.  Specific vision abilities required include close vision, sharp eye focus and ability to distinguish colors.  There will be periods of stressful intense concentration with more than average pressure used in a variety of problem-solving situations.

WHY LORETTO

Competitive Compensation: Along with a competitive salary, Loretto Hospital offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.

Career Development: Loretto Hospital is a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to administering excellent patient care. Whether you are pursuing a career in allied health, support services, clinical or nursing support, or professional administration, Loretto Hospital is a tremendous place to grow as a health care professional.

Work Environment: As a not-for-profit, community-focused hospital, Loretto Hospital is truly a place where patients come first. We are seeking team members who not only support our mission, but who are customer service-driven and who desire to enhance the patient experience.