Creative Arts Therapist- Pediatrics

UVA Health Children’s is launching a new interdisciplinary approach to psychosocial care, and this role offers a rare opportunity to help build a creative arts therapy program from the ground up. As the first Creative Arts Therapist in this position, you will bring the therapeutic power of music or art into pediatric care while helping shape a program designed to support the emotional, developmental, social, and coping needs of children and families.

Working alongside Child Life Specialists, physicians, nurses, and other members of the care team, you will provide evidence-based creative arts interventions while helping establish the structure, workflows, and practices that will guide this growing program.

The Role

This is an opportunity for a Creative Arts Therapist who is energized by both hands-on pediatric clinical care and program development. You will work with children across acute, chronic, and intensive care settings, tailoring therapeutic interventions to each patient's developmental level, clinical condition, strengths, and psychosocial needs.

Just as importantly, you will have a voice in defining how creative arts therapy is integrated into care at UVA Health Children’s. Your insight and expertise will help establish a thoughtful, sustainable model that complements Child Life Services and the broader interdisciplinary team.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and facilitate individual and group music or art therapy sessions for pediatric patients in a variety of clinical settings.
• Apply evidence-based creative arts interventions to address patients' physical, emotional, cognitive, developmental, and social needs.
• Collaborate closely with Child Life Services and interdisciplinary medical teams to incorporate creative arts therapy into holistic plans of care.
• Help design and implement the new creative arts therapy program, contributing to program structure, clinical workflows, and evaluation tools.
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, care conferences, and program development initiatives.
• Educate families and colleagues about the therapeutic role and benefits of creative arts within the medical environment.
• Complete assessments, treatment plans, progress documentation, and other required information in the medical record.
• Support special events at UVA Health Children’s and help foster a pediatric care environment centered on creativity, connection, and emotional support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate brings a bachelor's or master's degree in Art Therapy and/or Music Therapy from an accredited program and certification or eligibility for certification as ATR, ATR-BC, or MT-BC, as appropriate for the role. Certification must be obtained within one year of hire. One to two years of clinical experience in a pediatric healthcare setting is preferred.

Why UVA Health

At UVA Health Children’s, this is more than an opportunity to join an existing service. It is a chance to help create one. Your clinical expertise and perspective will contribute directly to establishing how creative arts therapy supports pediatric patients and families and how the discipline collaborates with Child Life Services and clinical teams.

For a therapist who values creativity, interdisciplinary practice, and the opportunity to influence how a program develops, the role offers a compelling combination of clinical impact and professional ownership.

• Be the first Creative Arts Therapist in this new role and help establish the foundation for the program.
• Help shape workflows, evaluation approaches, collaborative practices, and the integration of creative arts therapy into pediatric care.
• Practice in an environment where patient- and family-centered care brings multiple disciplines together around the needs of children.
• Contribute your specialized expertise alongside Child Life Specialists and medical professionals caring for pediatric patients with a range of clinical needs.
• Join an academic health environment where collaboration, education, and innovation are integral to advancing patient care.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

For the right Creative Arts Therapist, this is an opportunity to leave a meaningful professional imprint: building something new while using your discipline to help children and families navigate some of their most challenging moments.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville:

Charlottesville offers healthcare professionals an appealing combination of career opportunity and quality of life. Set against the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides easy access to hiking, cycling, parks, wineries, and outdoor recreation while offering the restaurants, arts, music, history, and cultural experiences associated with a vibrant university community. With welcoming neighborhoods and access to both natural beauty and community amenities, Charlottesville provides an attractive setting for professionals and families looking to build a life beyond the hospital.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in art therapy and/or Music Therapy from an accredited program

Experience: Minimum of 1 year of clinical experience in a pediatric healthcare setting is preferred.

Licensure: Certification or eligibility for certification as ATR, ATR-BC, or MT-BC, as appropriate for role. Must obtain certification within one year of hire

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling so.me distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The pay range for this role is $34.14 - $38.23 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Retirement Savings
• Long-term and Short-term Disability
• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and Education Support

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.