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Title: Multilingual Creative Therapist

Supervised by: Project Impact Manager

Classification: Contractual

Start Date: April 1, 2026


WHO WE ARE

SkyART is a permanent fixture in the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago's South Side. Founded in 2001, with creativity at the center of everything we do, SkyART provides free, safe, open spaces where people are empowered and connections are made. SkyART continues to fulfill its mission from our flagship studio in South Chicago and beyond, reaching young people through three pillar programs: SkyWAY, for ages 7-13; Project 3rd Space, for ages 14-24 and Project Impact, our art therapy program. In 2020 SkyART announced an expansion to Chicago’s West Side with the new SkyART West studios, which opened officially in April of 2025. Driving its mission is a deep understanding of the transformative power of art and its capacity to enhance intellectual, emotional and social development.

WHO WE SERVE: The communities where SkyART works and the young people we serve exemplify the resilience and the beautiful diversity of our city. Our free programs are open and accessible to youth from communities that have been impacted by historic marginalization, generational trauma and systemic racism, and who may lack access to cultural programming that affirms their identity and places them front and center as creators of their own futures. The majority of Black and Brown youth we serve are impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which can negatively impact their ability to create and maintain healthy relationships, reach academic goals, and feel prepared to thrive in the workplace. Many are directly impacted by violence, incarceration and/or the foster care system. For all these reasons, SkyART prioritizes the wellbeing and healing of our participants using art as a platform for self exploration, reflection and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).


WHAT WE EXPECT

It takes a team of extraordinary staff, teaching artists and art therapists to bring SkyART to life, and we are looking for extraordinary individuals to help propel our growth into the future. We expect that all staff, from contractors to the Executive Director, practice everyday leadership and participate in both small scale and big picture thinking about the impact of our work. We expect that each individual contributes to creating an environment where we can show up as our whole self — centering young people as the driving force behind what we do — and where the diversity of individual lived experiences and cultures adds to the richness of our programs. Original ideas and critical thinking are required. We dive into the complexities and nuances that color our work and give it meaning beyond punching the clock and earning a paycheck. We ask all employees to practice vulnerability and to hold each other accountable, even those who supervise us, through compassionate calling-in and sensitive communication. Core competencies required for any position include: connection, collaboration, communication, creativity and consistency.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide and customize in-studio individual and group therapy sessions to meet organizational outcomes for specific populations, such as those in detention facilities, shelters, or home environments.

  • Assess participants’ needs, using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other expressive processes and interventions.

  • Conduct art therapy sessions providing guided self-expression experiences to help participants feel an increased sense of wellbeing, connection, exposure to diversity, improved self-esteem and empathy for others. 

  • Use SkyART wellness assessments and case notes to analyze or synthesize narrative and observational data 

  • Document sessions in the organizational database using SkyART forms.

  • Establish goals or objectives for art therapy sessions in consultation with the Youth Support Manager and programs team.

  • Request or purchase of needed art supplies or equipment for sessions.

  • Possibly conduct professional workshops on techniques of using art in therapy and/or processes to Teaching Artists, interns, volunteers and staff.

YOUR BACKGROUND INCLUDES:

Education/Experience:

  • MA in Art Therapy, psychology, social service degree with a visual art background required

  • Cultural competency working with individuals from diverse backgrounds

  • Detailed-oriented with excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal and writing skills

  • Practicing artists encouraged

  • Fluency in Spanish is required for this position.  Successful candidates will be able to communicate clearly and effectively in both Spanish and English.  Experience working with Spanish-speaking children and families is preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER:

$35-$75/hour, depending on experience 

HOW YOU APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter with your resume by email to projectimpact@skyart.org with  “Multilingual Creative Therapist” in the subject line. Do not mail or fax.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

SkyART is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SkyART does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.