Art Therapist-Youth Engagement Associate

Company: Sunshine Gospel Ministries
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: $50,065.00 ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW The mission of Sunshine Gospel Ministries (SGM) is to seek the renewal of the city through ministries of discipleship, mercy, and justice. Our vision is to empower youth and families to thrive and lead prosperous, healthy lives through connectedness, opportunity, and economic sustainability. Our culture is open, warm, inviting and family oriented. We are a ministry that seeks individuals who have a passion for the gospel, and our youth and families in the Woodlawn and Washington Park communities. The Youth Outreach (YO) department at SGM exists to help youth and young adults in our community flourish spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically; encouraging self-expression through various learning experiences which expand their horizons and ability to dream. This is accomplished through year around out-of-school-time academic and faith-based enrichment programming centered around a trauma informed, social-emotional based curriculum which helps students to develop resiliency. Programs feature tutoring, homework assistance, as well as, various recreational, performing arts, and STEAM opportunities. By integrating behavioral health services into existing youth outreach, SGM aims to make these resources more accessible and culturally relevant to the community. POSITION SUMMARY The Art Therapist-Youth Engagement Associate provides direct service to Youth Outreach Program participants through therapeutic intervention, including but not limited to, group art therapy sessions, individual therapy sessions, circle keeping (restorative justice practice), and organic assessment and intervention while integrating in day to day elementary, middle and high school programming. This role works in tandem with Youth Outreach Engagement Associates to assist with guiding a team of staff and volunteers to accomplish program goals and also works alongside the Youth Outreach Director to accomplish program goals. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS The duties include but are not limited to the following: Assists Youth Engagement Associates and Youth Outreach Director with developing school-age curriculum that includes the use of treatment modalities and various therapeutic interventions. Assists Youth Engagement Associates and Youth Outreach Program Director in implementing age-appropriate lesson plans and activities derived from curriculum. Collaborates with Youth Engagement Associates to ensure the 40 Developmental Assets remain the basis of all Elementary, Middle and High School out-of-school-time programming. Collaborates with Youth Engagement Associates in providing training and administrative support for elementary, middle and high school programs including maintaining case notes, consistent parent communication, maintaining program data, as needed. Collaborates with Engagement Associates to provide emotional support and behavior management in line with Youth Outreach policies/best practices. Assists Youth Outreach Program Director in providing oversight, and support to elementary, middle and high school out-of-school-time programming. Assists Youth Outreach Program Director in providing spiritual leadership to part-time staff ensuring that God remains at the core of all programs and activities. Collaborates with Youth Engagement Associates to ensure the 40 Developmental Assets remain the basis of Elementary, Middle and High School out-of-school-time programming. Collaborates with Youth Engagement Associates in providing administrative support for elementary, middle and high school programs including maintaining case notes, consistent parent communication, maintaining program data, as needed. Assists Youth Outreach Program Director with maintaining program budget. Assists Engagement Associates and Youth Outreach Program Director in recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers to maximize their effectiveness. Collaborates with the Youth Outreach team to maintain consistent and positive mentoring relationships with students. Participates as part of the Youth Outreach team that provides programs for youth from 1st-12th grades. Participates in Sunshine Gospel Ministries ministry-wide events such as Open House, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Store, and other events that may be planned throughout the year. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. RELATED DUTIES Must become a Mandated Reporter. Ability to work some evenings and weekends. EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: BA degree with a major field of study in Social Work, Counseling/Therapy or Clinical Psychology, or a comparable field of study such as Art Therapy or Community Counseling in a Counseling program Minimum 3 years of related experience (preferably with a nonprofit) Demonstrates working knowledge of Microsoft Office Ability to effectively manage time and projects Possess good oral and written communication skills Ability to effectively collect and manage data Capable of effective multitasking Ability to work well in a collaborative environment as part of a team, as well as self-motivated and able to work independently Organized Detail oriented Reliable Flexible Ability to work with and have an appreciation for diverse groups of people Demonstrates Cultural sensitivity to the African American community Able to use discretion and judgment when dealing with confidential information Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills Demonstrates a belief in community as related to SGMs core values (Gospel, Radical Hospitality, Celebrating Beauty, Restorative Justice, Collaboration, Reconciliation, Fostering Effectiveness) Reliable, predictable, and timely attendance is required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk and/or sit; use hands to fingers or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, push, lift, as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a public building and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Keywords: Sunshine Gospel Ministries, Oak Lawn , Art Therapist-Youth Engagement Associate, Social Services , Chicago, Illinois