Art Therapist

Organization: Hoaloha Project
Location: Remote / Virtual
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week

• 1 hour: Virtual group art therapy session
• 1 hour: Lesson planning, preparation, and brief documentation

Position Type:

• Contract / Temporary (Paid)

Cause Area:

• Foster Care Support, Youth Mental Health, Trauma-Informed Care

About Hoaloha Project

Hoaloha Project is a Hawai‘i-based nonprofit that supports and uplifts foster keiki by providing trauma-informed resources, care, and advocacy that honor their well-being and cultural roots. Our programs center healing, creativity, and culturally respectful care for children who have experienced trauma.

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate Art Therapist to facilitate virtual, trauma-informed art therapy groups for children. This role is an excellent fit for graduate students or pre-licensed professionals who have experience working with children and a strong interest in trauma-informed, therapeutic practice.

The ideal candidate is patient, kind, emotionally attuned, and comfortable creating a safe space for children through creative expression. A strong appreciation for Hawai‘i’s communities, culture, and values is highly valued in this role.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate weekly virtual group art therapy sessions for children
• Design and lead therapeutic, trauma-informed art activities
• Foster a safe, supportive, and emotionally responsive environment
• Adapt sessions to meet the developmental and emotional needs of participants
• Complete brief session notes, logging, and lesson planning
• Communicate with the Hoaloha Project team regarding participant needs and program goals

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Art Therapy, Psychology, or related field; certification as an Art Therapist (ATR) preferred.
• Proven experience working with children, especially children who have experienced trauma.
• Strong knowledge of behavioral therapy techniques, mental health counseling strategies, and recreational therapies.
• Comfortable facilitating virtual group sessions with kids
• Comfortable using virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles
• Patient, kind, empathetic, and dependable
• Able to commit to a consistent weekly schedule

Preferred

• Experience working with or understanding Hawai‘i’s local communities and cultural values
• Culturally responsive approach to working with diverse youth populations

Compensation

This is a paid, temporary contract position. Compensation will be discussed based on experience and qualifications.

Screening & Requirements

• Candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to onboarding
• Participation in a screening and interview process is required
• Additional onboarding steps, including training and policy review, will be provided upon selection

Confidentiality & Professional Expectations

• Must maintain strict confidentiality regarding all children and families
• Adherence to ethical guidelines and trauma-informed best practices is required
• Mandatory reporting responsibilities will be reviewed during onboarding

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience facilitating trauma-informed, virtual art therapy groups
• Meaningful work supporting the emotional well-being of foster keiki
• Experience suitable for graduate students and pre-licensed professionals
• Skill development in youth mental health and expressive therapies

How to Apply

Please send your resume through Indeed. We welcome candidates who are committed to creating safe, healing spaces for children and supporting foster keiki in Hawai‘i.

We are excited to work together with those who care deeply about Hawai‘i’s keiki and communities! We look forward to hearing from you.