Launch Your Career as a Creative Arts Therapist at the Memphis VA

Are you a dedicated clinician looking for a career that combines your passion for art with a mission of service? The Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center is seeking a talented and compassionate Creative Arts Therapist (Art) to join our clinical team. This role is a unique opportunity to apply your specialized expertise in the creative process to assist Veterans in their journey toward recovery and improved mental health.

Job Responsibilities

As a Creative Arts Therapist, your core responsibility is to facilitate therapeutic growth through the creative process. Your daily duties will include:

Individualized Treatment: Assessing patient needs and developing art-based interventions to target goals such as emotional regulation, resolution of trauma, and social skill building.
Clinical Documentation: Maintaining timely and accurate records of patient progress, evaluations, and discharge plans.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working alongside psychologists, social workers, and medical staff to ensure a comprehensive care approach.
Program Development: Creating and managing therapeutic programs using both typical and atypical art media to engage Veterans effectively.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A Master's degree in Art Therapy from an accredited program, or a Master's in a related field with the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential.
Clinical Proficiency: English language fluency and the ability to pass a mandatory pre-employment physical.
Trial Period: Successful candidates must serve a probationary trial period to evaluate ongoing fitness for the role.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with experience and performance at the GS-9 to GS-11 levels.

Grade Level	Starting Salary	Maximum Salary
GS-9/11	$61,722	$97,087

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Access to the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).
Comprehensive health and life insurance programs.
Accrued annual and sick leave.
Professional growth and training opportunities within the VHA system.

Application Tips

Use the Template: The VA requires a specific clinical resume format. Use the document provided on the VA Careers website to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Highlight Your ATR: If you are applying using a degree in a related field, your ATR certification is non-negotiable. Ensure your documentation clearly highlights your current registration.
Be Thorough: Clearly define your clinical experience in your resume—don't rely on the hiring team to infer your skills from your job title.

Serving our nation's Veterans is an honor. If you are ready to make a significant impact through art therapy in a dynamic medical environment, we encourage you to submit your application to the Memphis VAMC by the September 2026 deadline.

Why This Creative Arts Therapist (Art) Job Matters

Transform lives through the power of expression. Join the Department of Veterans Affairs in Memphis and use your clinical art therapy expertise to support those who served our nation.

Creative Arts Therapist (Art) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Memphis VA Medical Center is seeking a compassionate Creative Arts Therapist (Art) to join our interdisciplinary care team. In this role, you will provide critical therapeutic support to Veterans across various specialized units, including acute psychiatry, chemical dependency, and spinal cord injury care. You will have the opportunity to design and implement individualized treatment plans that utilize art-making as a primary vehicle for emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and holistic wellness.

Requirements for Creative Arts Therapist (Art)

U.S. Citizenship status.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Master's degree or higher in Art Therapy from an AATA-approved program or a COAMFTE/CAAHEP-accredited program.
OR Master's degree in a related field with graduate coursework in Art Therapy and current, unrestricted Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credentials.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Adherence to mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirements for health care personnel.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Completion of a 1-2 year trial period upon appointment.

Preferred Qualifications for Creative Arts Therapist (Art)

Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing quality improvement systems within a clinical setting.
Strong understanding of diagnostic coding and symptom management in an art therapy context.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary medical teams.
Demonstrated skill in educating stakeholders on the therapeutic value of the creative process.
Experience in community resource identification for discharge planning.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave
✓Federal holiday pay
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Stable career growth within the Department of Veterans Affairs

💡 How to Apply Creative Arts Therapist (Art) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Creative Arts Therapist (Art) Job

Create or log in to your account on the USAJobs portal.
Prepare your resume using the standard VA Clinical Resume template provided on the VA Careers website.
Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts, professional certifications (ATR), and relevant SF-50 forms if you are a current/former federal employee.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
Upload your documents, ensuring that the restricted clinical resume is uploaded to the 'Resume' field and your full, unrestricted CV is added to the 'Other' field.
Submit your final package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not rely on the hiring board to assume your duties based on your job title.
Ensure your transcripts are legible and from an accredited institution.
Double-check that you have included your Registered Art Therapist (ATR) proof, as this is a non-waivable requirement for certain candidates.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is uploaded and formatted clearly.
Monitor your email for status notifications; follow-up questions can be directed to the agency contact provided in the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Creative Arts Therapist at the Memphis VA?

You will serve as a clinical provider in both inpatient and outpatient settings, using art therapy to improve cognitive, sensory, and emotional health for Veterans.

Are there specific education requirements for this position?

Yes, you must hold a Master’s degree or higher in Art Therapy or a related field with specific graduate coursework and full ATR registration.

Is this position remote?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Memphis, TN VA Medical Center.

What units will I work in?

You will support various units, including Spinal Cord Injury, Acute Psychiatry, and Chemical Dependency.

Can I work from home?

No, this position is onsite to ensure direct patient care.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing whole-health care to those who have served in our nation's military. The Memphis VAMC is a highly complex, Level I clinical facility serving over 206,000 Veterans. We pride ourselves on creating an environment that fosters dignity, recovery, and professional excellence. Joining our team means becoming part of a community that values clinical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.