Art Therapist at Neem Foundation

Position Summary:
A professional art therapist works in the mental health field. He or she is dedicated to helping both adults and children of all ages with their mental, physical, and emotional health by incorporating art making into the patient’s counselling sessions. Art therapy is used to treat stress, depression, low self-esteem, behavioural problems, and to resolve conflict.
Art therapy aims to help patients overcome their emotional and mental difficulties by engaging with, and expressing themselves through, the artistic process. Practitioners work with a wide range of patients who suffer a variety of problems including clinical or bipolar depression, phobias, anxiety and behavioural disorders. The therapy aims to channel patients’ energies into painting, sculpture and other forms of expression (including theatre and dance) and help them to understand and address their inner conflicts.
Art therapists play an active part in the sessions; guiding patients through the creative process and encouraging them to engage with their feelings and explore the thought processes behind them. The works of art that are produced can have an enlightening or cathartic effect for the patient and help them recover from or come to terms with their illness.

Job Functions:

• Assess the needs of the client by listening and providing guidance;
• Work creatively with various client groups in a therapeutic setting, ensuring a safe and secure environment;
• Enable clients to explore their artwork and the process they used to create it;
• Assess and understand the feelings or temperament of others;
• Constructively challenge the behaviour and attitude of your clients;
• Attend meetings and case conferences to share ideas, expertise and good practice;
• Keep up to date with administration tasks;
• Maintain art therapy space and materials;
• Receive support and discuss ideas in individual supervision;
• Explore opportunities for work where it may not currently exist;

Qualifications, Skills, Experience:
Language Skills:

• English Language (Fluent) and Basic understanding of Hausa and/or Kanuri language
• Profile of Behaviour:
• Confident, attention to detail, independent judgment, self-starter, reliable, team-player, friendly, flexible, disciplined, adaptable, numerate.

Added Advantage:

• Practical experience working with victims/ survivors of insurgency.
• Academic or work experience in Arts or Humanities
• Experience in managing children
• Hausa and/or Kanuri speaker
• Location: Maiduguri, Mafa, Bama, Dikwa, Damboa (Borno State)