Job Description

Job Title: Arts Therapist (Female)


We welcome applications from Music Therapists, Art Therapists, Play Therapists, Dance Therapists, Drama Therapists, Creative Therapists, and Creative Counsellors.


Hours: Part time


Contract type: Freelance


Salary: 30- 40 per hour (depending on qualifications and experience)


Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Cavendish Rd, Stretford, Manchester M32 0PS


Reporting to: Creative Engagement Manager Therapeutic Lead

About us:

Gorse Hill Studios is an ambitious youth arts charity, who believe all young people have the right to social, emotional, educational, and cultural investment in their future.


GHS is a youth arts charity based in Trafford dedicated to providing support through creative engagement and access to the arts and culture to young people 5-25 years.


We work with young people encouraging them to value themselves by taking an active role in their community and learning. We support them with building achievable aspirational pathways for their futures. We offer long-term interventions tailored to the needs of everyone, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for the child.

Job Summary:

What will you be doing in this role:


As a qualified Arts Therapist, you will be making a positive impact on the lives of girls and women aged 15-26 who face barriers to accessing arts therapies.


You will be working on the arts therapies project that is geared around supporting young women and girls considered vulnerable, disadvantaged or under-served who face several barriers including homelessness risks, drug, and alcohol misuse, chaotic homelives, low or no income, disabilities, or neurodiversity to name a few, to access arts therapies.


The Arts Therapist will provide therapeutic support to disadvantaged young women (ages 15-26) through creative arts-based interventions. Working within a youth arts organisation, the therapist will use artistic expression to support emotional well-being, build confidence, and help participants process trauma, anxiety, or other challenges. This role requires a trauma-informed approach, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for participants.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan and deliver creative arts therapy sessions tailored to the needs of young women facing social, emotional, or mental health challenges. Adapt approaches based on individual and group needs, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Provide a safe and non-judgmental space for participants to explore their emotions and experiences.

Emotional Well-being & Safeguarding:

Adopt a trauma-informed approach when working with young women who may have experienced abuse, neglect, or discrimination. Identify safeguarding concerns and respond appropriately, following organisational policies and procedures. Work collaboratively with safeguarding leads, social workers, or other professionals when required. Support participants in developing coping strategies, resilience, and self-esteem.

Group & Individual Support:

Facilitate group therapy sessions, creative workshops, and one-to-one interventions. Promote peer support while managing group dynamics sensitively. Empower participants to take ownership of their creative and emotional journey. Encourage reflection and personal growth through artistic exploration.

Collaboration & Multidisciplinary Work:

Work closely with team of youth workers, mental health professionals, and facilitators to ensure holistic support. Contribute to team meetings, sharing insights and strategies for supporting participants. Advocate for the role of arts therapy within youth services and contribute to best practice development.

Monitoring & Evaluation:

Maintain accurate records of sessions, progress, and outcomes while respecting confidentiality. Collect qualitative and quantitative data to assess the impact of interventions. Provide reports for funding and internal use as required. Reflect on and develop personal practice through supervision, training, and CPD opportunities.

Skills & Qualifications:

Essential:

Professional qualification in Art Therapy, Drama Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance Therapy or a related discipline. Registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., HCPC, BAAT, BAMT, BADth). Experience working with young people, particularly those facing disadvantage or trauma. Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, mental health, and safeguarding. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport. Ability to manage group dynamics and create a supportive space for self-expression. A minimum of 2 years relevant experience with children and young people. Flexibility

Desirable:

Experience in community arts, youth work, or social work settings. Knowledge of feminist, intersectional, or culturally responsive approaches to therapy. Experience working with young people from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Safeguarding training. Experience working with disadvantaged and marginalised young people or young adults. Experience working with care experienced young people/ adults. Experience working with people with SEND or Neurodiversity.

Requirements:

Valid DBS certification- do not apply if you do not have an enhanced DBS. Self employed UTR number. Professional indemnity insurance Membership in a relevant professional body Full UK Driver's license. To access and attend professional and clinical supervision.

Application:

We welcome applications from Music Therapists, Art Therapists, Play Therapists, Dance Therapists, Drama Therapists, Creative Therapists, and Creative Counsellors.

Experience:

Arts psychotherapy: 2 years (required)

Ability to Commute as sessions will be in person:

Manchester, M32 0PS (required)

Application closing date is 27

th

February.

Interviews to take place on 6

th

March.