Art Instructor (Part-time)

SHENANDOAH VALLEY WESTMINSTER-CANTERBURY

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

TITLE:  Art Instructor                            DEPARTMENT: Cultural Arts 

RESPONSIBLE TO: Creative Arts Therapy Manager 

LOCATION: Winchester, VA Campus/Community 

JOB SUMMARY:    The Art Instructor plans, develops, and instructs fine art and design courses for residents in the community, with a primary focus on serving residents in Independent Living. The Art Instructor teaches techniques for a variety of artistic media, creates an inclusive and supportive environment in which residents of varying artistic abilities can explore and develop skills in drawing, painting (watercolor, oil, acrylic), mixed media, ceramics, fiber arts, digital, and other fine arts disciplines. In fulfillment of the Creative Arts Therapies Department’s mission, the Art Instructor facilitates and coordinates creative arts programming for wellness, creative aging, and life-long learning purposes, including but not limited to art courses, workshops, art trips, art movie viewings, art history courses, etc. The Art Instructor also develops and maintains connections with greater community artists and coordinates resident workshops with guest artists.  

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS: 

Bachelor of Fine Arts or education, training, or professional experience in the visual arts, studio art, art education, or related field. High School Diploma or equivalent work experience required. 

Proficiency in multiple visual art mediums and techniques.    

Previous experience teaching or facilitating visual arts programs for adults preferred. 

Computer skills & knowledge of current technology. 

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.  

Ability to create an inclusive learning environment for individuals with varying levels of artistic experience.  

Ability to adapt art projects and instructional techniques to accommodate physical and cognitive differences. 

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.  

Strong knowledge of visual arts techniques and materials. 

Ability to organize supplies, lesson plans, schedules, and studio activities. 

Ability to facilitate groups effectively.  

Strong organizational and time-management skills. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS, STANDARDS, AND COMPLIANCE: 

Support the Mission and purpose of Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury (SVWC). Perform duties in a manner consistent with SVWC’s mission and vision. 

Follows and supports the policies and procedures established by SVWC and supports Board of Trustees and Administration. 

Present a professional, supportive, and caring image towards residents, visitors, and fellow team members.  

Must comply with all required employment training and annual TB Screening as required by Virginia State Licensure. 

Must complete and maintain annual mandatory compliance training required by Virginia State Licensure and all other mandatory documentation required by other regulatory agencies and/or by SVWC. 

Promote positive language and understanding of culture change for all older adults. 

Demonstrate patience and respect when working with older adults (e.g. address participant by name, allow participant to make decisions, etc.).  

Ability to modify activities without diminishing the creative experience. 

Ability to establish positive professional relationships with residents, families, volunteers, and staff.  

Commitment to resident choice, dignity, autonomy, and person-directed care.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Plan, develop, and facilitate regularly scheduled art classes and open studio opportunities.   

Teach a variety of visual art techniques, mediums, styles, and processes. This includes but is not limited to drawing, painting (watercolor, oil, acrylic), mixed media, ceramics, fiber arts, and digital. 

Develop programming that accommodates beginning, intermediate, and advanced artist abilities.  

Provide clear instruction and demonstrations while encouraging individual creativity and artistic choice.  

Adapt projects, materials, tools, and instructional techniques to accommodate residents' varying physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities.  

Encourage residents to explore new artistic techniques while maintaining an environment that emphasizes creativity and enjoyment. Encourage participation while respecting residents' individual preferences, abilities, and choice. 

Provide opportunities for residents to work independently as well as collaboratively.  

Evaluate participation and resident feedback to inform ongoing program development. Encourage resident input and incorporate feedback to develop resident-directed class topics, projects, and art programming.    

Develop and maintain connections with greater community artists and coordinate resident workshops with guest artists. 

Assist residents in preparing artwork for exhibitions, displays, community events, and other appropriate opportunities. 

Maintain an organized schedule of classes, workshops, art trips, movie viewings, and open studio opportunities.  

Curate resident art galleries in designated areas within the community. 

Prepare lesson plans, project samples, instructional materials, and supply lists. Assist with purchasing and inventory management.    

Maintain adequate inventory of art supplies and equipment and keep equipment, supplies, furniture, and environment clean and organized. 

Adhere to program budget in collaboration with direct supervisor.  

Develop positive, respectful relationships with residents and foster a welcoming creative community.  

Recognize and respond appropriately to changes in residents' abilities and needs. Report any psychosocial changes or needs to supervisor. 

Promote creative aging, lifelong learning, and wellness through the arts.  

Support residents in maintaining and developing their artistic identities and interests. 

Participate in department meetings, community committees or other intergenerational, community partnership, and outreach initiatives when appropriate.  

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and distinguish offerings from clinical art therapy. Make referral to art therapist when necessary and appropriate. 

Maintain accurate participant records for tracking program success. 

Assist with the coordination of volunteers and be in attendance during group art trip outings. 

Demonstrate effective communication techniques with participants, families, teammates, and community partners. 

Inform direct supervisor of psychosocial needs/approaches related to the residents or families. 

Report to direct supervisor changes in participant status, resident’s responses to programming, equipment and supply needs, repair/maintenance needs, safety hazards, unusual occurrences or observations, problems with completion of assignments or scheduling. 

Teach artistic concepts clearly to individuals with different learning styles and abilities. 

Direct received complaints to direct supervisor. 

Perform other duties as assigned. 

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Physical Requirements 

Ability to push, pull, and maneuver equipment, carts, stretchers, and similar items.  

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and perform repetitive lifting of up to 10 pounds.  

Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, squatting, and use of hands for fine motor tasks. 

Sufficient mobility and manual dexterity to safely perform assigned duties. 

Must be able to use, operate and interpret information form equipment in work area. 

Working Conditions 

Must be able to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.  

May be required to work overtime, rotating shifts, or on-call schedules.  

May interact with verbally or physically combative residents.  

Must properly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to OSHA and organizational safety standards. 

This position may involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, and other potentially infectious materials, including HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B. Employees are required to follow Universal Precautions and all applicable safety protocols when performing duties that may involve contact with these materials. 

Mental and Cognitive Requirements 

Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions in English.  

Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.  

Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and maintain accurate records.  

Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain attention to detail, and accurately recall information. 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, military and veteran status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, or any other legally-protected characteristic; and it will comply with all applicable state discrimination laws. No person will be denied employment solely because of a disability, provided that the person can perform the essential functions of the position for which the person has applied, either with or without reasonable accommodation.