THERAPIST, ART
In New Jersey, Therapist, Art is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
Qualifying takes a bachelor's degree and 1 year of relevant experience. The FY2026 range lands between $58,818 and $85,742, and state payroll currently lists about 11 people in the title, most of them at Health and Senior Services.
How to get hired
- Watch for an open-competitive announcement for Therapist, Art on the NJ Civil Service Commission jobs portal. Announcements run for a fixed filing window.
- Apply during that window and sit the examination. Depending on the title, that can be a written test, a rating of your training and experience, or a mix of the two.
- Passing scores go onto a ranked eligible list. Veterans get preference points added on top of their score.
- When an agency has a vacancy it must appoint from the top of that list under the "Rule of Three." Many competitive jobs are first filled provisionally while the list is being built.
Read the official specification at NJ Civil Service Commission.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 11 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $85,742. The agencies employing the most are:
- Health and Senior Services (8)
- Human Services (3)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the direction of a supervisory officer in an institution or agency under the jurisdiction of the Department of Human Services, assists in the design, supervision, and implementation of a program of art therapy; does related work as required.
Examples of work
As a member of the therapeutic treatment team, plans, develops, implements, and conducts art therapy in order to provide the opportunity for non-verbal expressions and communication via the various media of art to further self-awareness and personal growth for the individual. Teaches art techniques and skills to help an individual in the art therapy goals. Works with residents on an individual basis or in a group. Participates as a member of the individual resident's treatment team. Assists in the development of the individual resident's treatment or service plan. Evaluates new residents for the art therapy program, and documents progress for above as required. Makes initial and on-going evaluations of the resident including direct contact and observation in the art therapy process which may also include the analysis of the art product or other appropriate areas; documents same. Determines long and short term art therapy goals in relation to the individual initial and comprehensive treatment plan for the resident. Observes residents in the art therapy program and maintains a record of the individual resident's progress and behavior by writing progress notes in the individual's chart. Maintains and keeps individual and/or group art therapy projects when and where appropriate. Prepares both written and oral feedback for review with the treatment team. Reviews an individual's art therapy projects with the treatment team when appropriate and relevant to that individual's progress. Prepares written reports of art therapy programs, as requested and required. As required, supervises and evaluates the performance of volunteers, aides, technicians, and paraprofessional staff in art therapy programs and provides in-service training and supervision to employees and volunteers who may assist in the art therapy programs. Participates and assists in planning the art therapy aspect of creative arts oriented events and special programs including weekend and evening activities. Assists in the supervision of special arts events, special activities, and creative arts therapy programs for the unit or for individual residents. Assists in other special programs as may be required. Requisitions and maintains art therapy equipment and supplies and supervises the proper use of these by staff and volunteers. Prepares detailed reports and correspondence and keeps art therapy records and files. Maintains essential records and files. May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree, with a major course of study in art, art therapy, or art education.
Experience
One (1) year of professional experience in an art therapy program. NOTE: A Master's degree in art therapy or creative arts therapy with a specialization in art therapy may be substituted for the one (1) year of experience
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the theories, principles, and techniques utilized in the field of art therapy. Knowledge of the goals and objectives of art therapy. Ability to comprehend the emotional and other problems of patients who are confined to a hospital and to work harmoniously with others. Ability to work with individuals and groups. Ability to prepare written summaries, reports, and evaluations concerning the art therapy program. Ability to plan, organize, implement, and review an art therapy program. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to observe behavior and make detailed notes for use in team meetings. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.