Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) Job at Shrub Oak International School in

Shrub Oak International School (www.shruboak.org) is a therapeutic day and residential school for autistic children, adolescents, and young adults with complex co-occurring conditions. Located in northern Westchester County, Shrub Oak offers unparalleled educational opportunities for autistic students in a family-centric, supportive environment. We offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of students across the spectrum, and our curriculum is based on the most advanced and successful evidence-based clinical and academic approaches in ASD education.

Compensation: $76,000 104,000 annually, depending on years of experience and licensure

Benefits:

Available for full-time employees. An overview of our benefits:

• Insurance coverage: Health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Tuition/Professional development assistance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Employee discounts

Position Summary:

The Licensed Master of Creative Art Therapies (Art, Dance, Music, and/or Imagery) is a licensed professional authorized to provide mental health services in New York State. Reporting to the Clinical Director or Coordinator, this individual collaborates with education, clinical, and campus life teams, as well as parents and students, to develop strategies that enhance academic performance, mental health, and social development in alignment with ITEPs (Individualized Transdisciplinary Education Plans). The LCAT conducts behavioral and social assessments to formulate therapy, social support, or behavior plans and plays a key role in designing and implementing ITEPs. They consult, counsel, and contribute to treatment planning. Having access to confidential information, discretion and independent judgement is required.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work

• Full-time, Monday Friday, 8am 4pm
• As an exempt role, the LCAT may be required to work additional times outside these hours as dictated by the needs of our students and/or the program.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and reassessments of students' functional, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Develop and maintain data collection systems to monitor progress across academic, community, and campus life areas.
• Analyze data to address ongoing student needs and recommend program adjustments.
• Utilize creative, individualized, evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to students needs.
• Supervise Creative Therapies Interns as needed.
• Collaborate on and implement behavior support plans (BIP, ISP, etc.) to improve outcomes.
• Provide flexible, environment-based support, including crisis management and after-hours availability.
• Offer classroom push-in/pull-out support and facilitate group counseling sessions.
• Work with clinicians and interdisciplinary teams to ensure integrated, holistic student progress aligned with ITEP goals.
• Maintain open communication with care providers, families, and students to address progress, development, and emergencies.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation and reports.
• Participate in professional development to stay current with clinical advancements.
• Engage in community and professional education on clinical matters and life skills independence.
• Provide counseling to individuals and groups using strength-based, empathic, and creative modalities.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Requirements:

Experience & Education:

A New York State License (LCAT) in good professional standing required

Masters degree in creative arts therapies (Art, Dance, Music, and/or Imagery) required

Experience working with students with developmental disabilities or on the autistic spectrum is strongly preferred; school experience is a plus

Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional oral and written communication, with strong active listening skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups, fostering a culturally competent and inclusive environment.
• Proficiency in clinical services, with a demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations and make sound decisions.
• Strong multitasking and problem-solving skills, maintaining flexibility and discretion under pressure.
• Capacity to collaborate cross-functionally with other disciplines and staff at Shrub Oak.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and other relevant software.
• Ability to complete TCIS training and maintain all required trainings/certifications.

Physical Requirements/Demands:

A workday regularly includes multiple or conflicting demands, deadlines and time pressures; work regularly requires sustained concentration. Standing for sustained periods of time, bending, stretching, walking up and down stairs (building has 6 floors), around a hilly campus as needed, may also require walking between floors or between buildings at a moments notice. May need to lift/move boxes up to 25 pounds and move/rearrange furniture.

Work Environment:

We are a boarding school located on a 127-acre campus. The work environment will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, mostly inside the classroom or educational environment. May include work within the residential setting. The building has 6 floors accessible by staircases and elevators.

EEO Statement:

Shrub Oak is an equal employment opportunity employer. Shrub Oak International School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to apply for a job or to perform the essentials functions of their job. Please advise us if you require a reasonable accommodation.

Please note:

SOIS maintains a smoke-free environment to ensure the health and safety of our students, employees, and community. Smoking or vaping of any kind is strictly prohibited indoors, outdoors, and during off-campus activities, with enforcement measures in place including smoke/vape detectors. Non-compliance will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.