What are the responsibilities and job description for the Therapist - Art, Play, or Music position at Saint Louis Crisis Nursery?
Therapist – Art, Play, or Music Therapy
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery
Join Our Mission to Heal and Empower Children in Crisis
The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is expanding our Therapy Team to deepen our impact on the lives of children and families we serve.
When children come to the Crisis Nursery, they are often experiencing fear, instability, and trauma. Our dedicated professionals provide nurturing care in a safe, trauma-informed environment where every child is seen, supported, and empowered to heal.
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled therapist to provide trauma-informed therapeutic services through our well-established Art and Play Therapy Program. The ideal candidate has a strong clinical background in childhood trauma and is eager to help children build self-esteem, develop positive coping skills, and express themselves in healthy, creative ways.
About the Role
As a member of our collaborative clinical team, you will:
- Provide individualized therapy for children during their short-term stays at the Nursery.
- Use art, play, or music therapy to help children identify, express, and regulate their emotions.
- Conduct clinical assessments and offer crisis intervention counseling for approximately 100 children per month across all five Nursery locations.
- Observe children’s behaviors and offer therapeutic recommendations to staff.
- Provide referrals for ongoing therapy services when needed.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in all case files.
- Deliver therapeutic training to staff and practicum students.
- Develop and present educational programming for families and community groups.
- Support the development of Family Empowerment Program (FEP) therapeutic groups.
Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling (required).
- Professional licensure (LCSW, LPC, or equivalent) required.
- Certification in Art or Play Therapy preferred; Music Therapy credentials also considered.
- Minimum of two years of experience working with children and families in a social service or clinical setting.
- Strong understanding of child development, trauma, and attachment-based interventions.
Why Join Our Team
- Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing professional development throughout the year.
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (United Healthcare) begins after 30 days — the Nursery contributes $5,500 annually toward premiums for all full-time staff.
- Fully paid $30,000 life insurance policy.
- Generous Paid Time Off — begin accruing immediately and earn up to 25 days in your first year.
- Retirement plan, floating holidays, and more.
Work Details
- Schedule: Monday–Friday, daytime hours (flexible scheduling available).
- Travel: Required between Nursery locations.
About the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery
For more than 39 years, the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery has been a lifeline for families in crisis, providing emergency shelter for children from birth through age 12 and wrap-around support to help families remain stable and strong. Our programs consistently reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect and help families build safer, healthier futures.
We are a nonprofit, independent agency dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect by providing trauma-informed care, family advocacy, and community support.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary : $5,500