Become a Leader in Veteran Care: Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, holistic care to those who have served our country. We are currently looking for a highly skilled and compassionate professional to join our team at the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System in Queens as a Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist. This role is a unique intersection of clinical practice and healthcare administration.

Job Responsibilities

As a supervisor, you will have the authority to manage the Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy Service. Your core duties include:

Administrative Oversight: Managing budgets, material supplies, and operational workflows.
Team Leadership: Mentoring staff therapists, assistants, and trainees to ensure high-quality clinical outcomes.
Direct Patient Care: Maintaining a clinical caseload in the Community Living Center (CLC).
Strategic Collaboration: Working with medical and rehabilitation teams to develop individualized treatment goals for complex cases.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	Master’s Degree or higher in Art, Music, or Dance Therapy
Certification	Current, full, and unrestricted registration (e.g., ATR, MT-BC, BC-DMT)
Experience	At least one year of experience equivalent to GS-11
Health	Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 grade level with an annual salary range of $105,481 – $137,128. This competitive compensation reflects the dual responsibility of managing a department while continuing to provide top-tier clinical care.

Benefits

Working with the VA offers more than just a job; it offers a career supported by federal benefits, including:

Health and Life Insurance options.
Generous annual leave and sick day accruals.
Defined benefit retirement plans.
Professional development and training opportunities.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Utilize the specific VA Clinical Resume document linked in the announcement.
Be Specific: In your resume, explicitly detail your supervisory experience, including conflict resolution and workload management.
Stay Organized: Ensure all your certifications are up to date and clearly listed to avoid processing delays.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and lead a dedicated team of therapists in a mission-driven environment, this is your opportunity. Apply today and help us provide the exceptional care our Veterans deserve.

Why This Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist Job Matters

Elevate your career as a leader in clinical innovation while directly impacting the lives of our nation's heroes in the heart of Queens.

Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist Job Overview

The VA NY Harbor Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated and visionary Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist to lead our Recreation/Creative Arts Therapy Service. This is a vital leadership role that blends high-level administrative oversight with direct clinical engagement. You will manage a talented team of clinicians, steer strategic planning for the department, and provide hands-on therapeutic care for residents in our Community Living Center (CLC). If you are a board-certified professional looking to shape the future of veteran health services, we invite you to join our team.

Requirements for Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific hiring exceptions apply per VA policy).
English language proficiency in both written and spoken forms.
Master’s degree or higher in an appropriate Creative Arts Therapy discipline (Art, Music, or Dance/Movement Therapy) from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted professional registration or board certification (ATR, RDT, BC-DMT, or MT-BC) relevant to your clinical specialty.
At least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist

Proven experience in supervisory and administrative functions, including conflict resolution and fiscal management.
Strong background in program development and workload distribution.
Demonstrated ability to foster employee engagement and professional growth within a multidisciplinary team.
Exceptional interpersonal skills when working with clinical staff, organizational leadership, and patients.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Competitive salary based on the GS-12 pay scale.
✓Generous paid leave including vacation, sick time, and federal holidays.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
✓Access to a variety of work-life balance initiatives.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Download and prepare the standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
Upload your resume, transcripts, and relevant professional certifications/registrations.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of August 24, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly articulates how your experience matches the specific KSA requirements listed in the announcement.
Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid common formatting issues.
Double-check that all professional certifications and board-certified statuses are current and clearly highlighted.
Review your application package for completeness to avoid disqualification due to missing documents like SF-50s or transcripts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist?

This position is dual-natured, requiring you to handle administrative duties like staff management and fiscal oversight while maintaining a clinical caseload at the Community Living Center.

Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Queens, New York, and it is not eligible for telework.

What happens after I submit my application?

Once the vacancy closes, the HR team will review your qualifications. You will receive email notifications regarding your status, and if you are selected for further consideration, you may be contacted for an interview.

Can I work from home?

*A: No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence at the Queens facility.*

Is there an age limit for this role?

*A: No, the VA is an equal opportunity employer and focuses on professional qualifications and experience.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA NY Harbor Healthcare System serves as a vital component of the Veterans Health Administration. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln's promise to care for those who served, their families, and their survivors. We pride ourselves on creating an environment that values innovation, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered recovery.