Art Therapist Assistant

Job Title
Art Therapy Assistant / Art Therapy Intern

Job Location Type
Hybrid – Primarily In Person

Job Location
Lee County, Florida

Organization
UC Behavioral Health & Social Services

Job Summary
UC Behavioral Health & Social Services is seeking a creative and compassionate Art Therapy Assistant to support our expressive therapy program. This position works closely with the lead art therapist, assisting in the implementation of group art therapy sessions and structured art classes within our center-based programs.

This role is ideal for art students, psychology students, or individuals pursuing careers in expressive therapies or behavioral health who are interested in gaining practical experience working with children and adolescents in therapeutic and educational environments.

We welcome internship applicants who are currently enrolled in art, art education, psychology, counseling, expressive therapies, or related programs and are seeking supervised experience in a behavioral health setting.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the lead art therapist in planning and facilitating group art therapy sessions and creative art classes.
• Support participants during art activities by encouraging creativity, emotional expression, and social interaction.
• Help prepare and organize art materials and maintain a safe, clean therapy environment before and after sessions.
• Assist with group management during therapy sessions and structured art activities.
• Support the therapist in implementing therapeutic goals through creative interventions.
• Observe client engagement and provide feedback to the supervising therapist when appropriate.
• Assist with organizing art supplies and preparing materials for therapy sessions.
• Support center-based expressive therapy programs, workshops, and creative activities.
• Assist with attendance tracking and program organization when needed.

Internship Opportunity
This position may also be offered as an internship for students seeking hands-on experience in expressive therapies and behavioral health services. Interns will receive supervision and exposure to therapeutic programming including:

• Group expressive therapy sessions
• Creative therapeutic interventions
• Behavioral health programming for children and adolescents
• Therapeutic activity planning and implementation

Internship hours may be coordinated with university requirements when applicable.

Qualifications

• Current student or recent graduate in Art, Art Education, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Expressive Arts Therapy, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with children or adolescents in educational, recreational, or behavioral health settings is a plus.
• Interest in art therapy, expressive therapies, and behavioral health services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Organized, responsible, and able to assist with group activities.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred but not required.

Work Environment
This position is primarily center-based and involves supporting expressive therapy services and creative programs conducted at UC Behavioral Health & Social Services in Lee County, Florida.

About UC Behavioral Health & Social Services
UC Behavioral Health & Social Services provides behavioral health support, expressive therapies, counseling, tutoring, and educational enrichment services for children and families. Our programs integrate creative therapies with educational support to promote emotional regulation, social development, and overall well-being.

Opportunity
This role offers a valuable opportunity for students and emerging professionals to gain practical experience in expressive therapies while supporting a multidisciplinary team dedicated to promoting mental health and creative growth in children and families.

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person