Drama Therapist

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

Graduate degree from a university with a NADTA approved drama therapy curriculum or alternatively a graduate degree in either theatre/drama, theatre education, psychology, counseling, social work, MFT, special education, occupational therapy with completion of the NADTA Alternative Training Track program created to satisfy educational requirements for RDT without going to an NADTA approved program.

· Current RDT credential or creative arts licensure or in process of completion

· Field experience in theatre/drama craft and supervision by a RDT or BCT(Board Certified Trainer) during training

· Previous experience as a Drama Therapist in psychiatric healthcare facility, substance abuse facility or health care environment for the mentally challenged preferred

· Good verbal and written communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of management and associates while building strong relationships

· Must have ability to problem solve, meet deadlines and follow through on work assignments in a fast paced work environment

· Must be able to handle physical demands of position (jumping, lifting, carrying, etc.)

· Must be able to work overtime and/or additional days as needed

· Must be able to quickly create an environment of safety and exploration for patients in a therapeutic setting daily

POSITION OBJECTIVE/SUMMARY:

The Drama Therapist serves as facilitator of drama therapy activities both in and out-patient services. The use of creative dramatics is tantamount in this service whether in a group setting or one-on one. As an integral part of the treatment team, the Drama Therapist works collaboratively with other team members, doctors and staff to plan and implement the therapeutic needs of clients who display a wide variety of mental, emotional, behavioral, psychomotor and perceptual challenges. A sound knowledge and understanding of mental illness is also preferred

GENERAL STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONS:

· Adheres to profession’s ethical moral and legal standards as prescribed and accepted by the NADTA and its membership following the standards of professional competence in the field, the RDT code of ethics and the HIPPA code both in group or individual work

· Facilitates clients with transition from acute in-patient environment to their discharge by way of creative dramatics, psychodramatic, socio dramatic techniques and expressive arts and creative arts. The Drama Therapist uses improvisation, storytelling, role play, myth, ritual, script work, art, mask, music puppetry and performance in order to implement wellness and transition

· Has an active approach that helps client tell his or her story to problem solve, achieve a catharsis, extend the depth and breath of inner experiences and strengthen the ability to observe personal roles. There are verbal and non verbal and physical and touch components of this work with client permission.

· Maintains confidentiality with respect to therapeutic relationship and all information and creative works resulting form clinical sessions, and therapeutic relationship except to prevent serious, imminent danger to client and to others.

· Assesses sensory, motor, cognitive, social and emotional skills and deficits in clients with drama therapy assessment methods conferring with physicians, interdisciplinary treatment teams and families regarding treatment and progress.

· Documents daily and weekly progress of clients.

· Coordinates client treatment and results with other professionals and agencies such as physicians, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation and school personnel, and families to provided total care to the patient.

· Supervises, maintains and modifies clients’ treatment plan according to physician and staff consensus and documents progress notes relative to therapy both for group and individual sessions.

· Provides supervision to fieldwork students and interns.

· Participates in continuing education/staff development programs and other medical facility, departmental, and professional licensing, credentialing requirements as directed.

· Attends regular supervision sessions

· Organizing, facilitating original performance resulting from drama therapy or socio dramatic work with patients

· Practices confidentiality in all employee, management and client related matters.

· Participates in the fundraising activities of the Agency.

· Practices loyalty and commitment to the philosophy, goal and objectives of the Agency.