Mō mātou | About Hōhepa

When you join Hōhepa, you become part of our community of people, staff, volunteers, and contractors who all have a common goal - helping people to reach their full potential and lead enriched and meaningful lives in a holistic, supportive environment. We are a community leader providing services and support for people living with an intellectual disability to live their best lives and find a valued place in our society. Inspired by Dr Rudolf Steiner’s principles of anthroposophy, we seek to understand each person and situation as unique, not a one size fits all philosophy. 

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

The Art Therapist provides therapeutic services using creative processes such as drawing, clay, collage, textiles or other forms of making to support the emotional, social and psychological wellbeing of people supported by Hōhepa Canterbury. The role works within a person-centred, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and strengths-based framework to promote communication, participation, meaningful choice and self-expression.

You will be energetic, empathetic and able to work alongside individuals and groups to deliver therapy sessions that support emotional wellbeing, communication, participation and personal development.

The role involves assessing therapeutic needs, establishing meaningful goals and developing art therapy interventions that are responsive to individual communication styles, emotional needs, strengths and personal goals.

This position's salary scale is between $68,000 and $78,000 per annum (pro-rata)

Nga haora kua tohua | Hours will be

16 per week, working two full days to include Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday

Mō koe | About You

Your person-centred approach is what really matters at Hōhepa. You will have experience delivering art therapy services and a strong commitment to person-centered practice. Your enthusiasm and passion for helping others will make a real difference in people’s lives. 

You will have experience with supporting individuals to safely express and process emotions, experiences, transitions, grief, trauma and significant life events through creative practice.

To thrive in this role you will:

• Be self-motivated, energetic and flexible with a high level of initiative. 

• Hold a relevant art therapy qualification and have experience delivering art therapy services.

• Be able to build effective therapeutic relationships.

• Collaborate with colleagues within the Practice Team.

• Have a kind nature with a can-do attitude and willingness to learn and continue to develop your skills. 

• Have a commitment to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all aspects of the role. 

Nga hua o te mahi ki a Hōhepa | Benefits of working at Hōhepa

At Hōhepa, as part of our team you will:

• Work in a fun, friendly and supportive team environment.

• Have the opportunity to achieve long service leave. 

• Be able to access Christchurch City Council Gym and Pool Membership discounts and Untamed Organic Vegetable discount.

• Have access to our online wellbeing platform.

• Join us to celebrate festivals, events and successes.

Applicants will be progressed as they apply, so if this sounds like you, please apply now! 

Applicants must have a NZ full driver’s licence and ability to work in New Zealand.

Please note that the 90-day trial period will apply to any successful applicant who hasn’t previously worked for Hōhepa Canterbury