Art Therapist

Position Details

Job Number

JR00802

Department

Mood Disorders Occupational Therapy

West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)

Job Type

Temporary (Fixed Term), Full time

Contract Duration: (If applicable)

20 months

Number of Positions

Union

OPSEU Local 206

Hourly Rate (Min / Max)

$38.83 - $54.77

Schedule

Work Days

Monday to Friday

Time of Day

Days

Shift

Hours - 7.5

Shift Start: (If applicable)

Reason for Posting

Application Dates

Opening Date

2026-07-14

Closing Date

2026-07-21

Unit Profile

The Mood Disorders Program employs a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, vocational rehabilitation therapists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, and research staff who assess and treat individuals with unipolar depression and bipolar disorder. The Program optimizes a variety of proven treatment strategies (pharmacotherapy, group therapies, psychoeducation) with the aim of controlling the symptoms of a mood disorder, as well as supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of the person.

Position Summary

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the Art Therapist is responsible for providing instruction and leading both individual and group therapy programming within the Mood Disorders inpatient and outpatient clinic for adult clients living with a wide range of mental health and addiction issues. The Art Therapist is skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture or other media) for assessment, treatment, and encouragement of well-being and positive coping mechanisms in clients. The Art Therapist will use the creative process of art making to assess, treat, improve and enhance the physical, mental, social and emotional health and well-being of the client.

You will work collaboratively and effectively with interprofessional team members with respect to clinical practice, education and research utilizing best practice guidelines.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree: in Art Therapy, Graduate level Diploma, or Post-Graduate Certification in Art Therapy from an institution recognized by the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA)

• Licence/Certification: Fully registered in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

• Professional membership in good standing with the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) and Ontario Art Therapy Association (OATA)
• 6 months to one-year recent related clinical experience in Art Therapy within a mental health setting required. Having clinical experience through previous student practicums or current employment in a hospital setting is an asset
• Recent related clinical experience working with clients living with mental health and addiction issues preferred
• Ability to implement a broad range of current Art Therapy theory, practices, treatment techniques and best practice strategies in mental health

• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, lead and evaluate therapeutic groups based on best practice research for this target population

• Demonstrated resiliency while working under physical and emotional stress
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing through clinical note taking
• Demonstrated ability to think proactively, act creatively and take initiative appropriately
• Excellent computer skills and ability to document services in a clear, accurate and effective manner
• Knowledge of and connections with local art and outreach facilities is considered an asset
• Good work performance and attendance record is essential

Reason for Posting

This requisition is for an existing vacancy

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) is an equal opportunity employer and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all our programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of SJHH.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHH is committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process.