The Kettle Society supports people with mental illness to lead healthier lives by providing support services, advocacy, employment, and mentoring and housing. We work to raise awareness of mental health issues, break down stigma and reduce barriers for people with mental illness. Our goal is to promote the inclusion of people living with mental illness in all aspects of society.
Art Therapist - Summer Student Job
Purpose of Role
To provide therapeutic art-based interventions that support the psychological, emotional, and social well-being of adults experiencing mental health challenges. The Art Therapist Summer Student uses creative processes to help clients explore feelings, develop coping strategies, and improve overall functioning.
Who can take part
To take part in Canada Summer Job (CSJ), you must:
be aged between 15 and 30 years old (at the start of your summer job)
be a Canadian Citizen, a permanent resident, or someone who has been officially given refugee protection in Canada and
be legally allowed to work in Canada
this includes having a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) at the start of your summer job
You can’t take part if:
you’re an international student (here temporarily for school and not a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee in Canada)
you’re still waiting for a refugee decision, or if you only have a visitor visa, youth visa, or work visa
Fun Fact: When it opened in 1997, Peggy’s Place was the first of its kind in all of Canada.
Organization:
The Kettle Friendship Society
Status:
Full-Time (Anticipated length of placement: June 1 to July 24, 2026)
Hours and Days:
Monday to Friday (35 hours per week) (9:00AM to 4:00PM)
Salary & Compensation:
$18.25 per hour
Key Responsibilities
Client & Therapeutic Duties:
Conduct individual and group art therapy sessions for adults with a range of mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, mental illness).
Assess clients’ needs using appropriate clinical tools and develop individualized treatment plans.
Facilitate creative expression as a means of processing emotions, building insight, enhancing communication, and promoting recovery.
Monitor and evaluate client progress and adjust interventions accordingly.
Maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries and create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Documentation & Administration:
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical records in accordance with professional standards and organizational policies.
Prepare reports, treatment summaries, and risk assessments as required.
Participate in audit, service evaluation, and quality improvement activities.
Collaboration & Multidisciplinary Work
Work within a multidisciplinary team of mental health workers and clinical coordinator.
Attend case conferences, treatment planning meetings, and clinical supervision.
Provide consultation to colleagues on the therapeutic use of art within care settings.
Activity Development
Design and develop art therapy activities tailored to adult mental health needs.
Source, organize, and maintain therapeutic art materials and equipment.
Contribute to psychoeducational workshops or community engagement activities where appropriate.
Risk Management & Safeguarding
Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, risk indicators, and crises according to policy.
Ensure sessions are conducted in line with health and safety requirements.
Qualifications & Requirements
Enrolment in or completion of post-secondary training and education in Art Therapy from an accredited program.
Experience working with adults with mental health conditions in clinical or community settings.
Experience facilitating group therapy is highly desirable.
Skills & Attributes
Strong understanding of mental health conditions and trauma-informed practice.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and clinical observation skills.
Ability to create a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic space.
Cultural sensitivity and commitment to inclusive practice.
Creative problem-solving and flexibility in adapting interventions.
Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Why The Kettle?
The Kettle appreciates and acknowledges the land in which we live and work on as unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
The Kettle Society is committed to promoting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, creating a diverse workforce, enhancing inclusion, and removing barriers to accessibility in the workplace. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply, and encourage applications from qualified candidates who identify as members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including Indigenous identity, race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence that is unrelated to the employment of that person.
Please do not contact the employer directly as only short listed candidates will be contacted by our People & Culture Team. We appreciate your interest in our organization.