📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: DSP Creative Arts Specialist - Full time
🔹 Company: Bittersweet Farms
🔹 Location: Whitehouse, Ohio, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Individual and Family Services
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-10
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Assisting in the development and implementation of creative arts therapy programs
- Ensuring the health and safety of participants
- Collaborating with other program specialists to create programs that meet participants' needs
- Acting as a liaison to the Staffing Manager to report staff or participant issues
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of creativity, organizational skills, and strong communication to effectively manage and enhance creative arts therapy programs.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement creative arts therapy programs, including ceramics, pottery, weaving, painting, hand crafts, and other creative arts projects
✅ Promote communication, choice, independence, socialization, and self-control for participants in residential, vocational, and leisure programs
✅ Maintain activity schedules for community outreach trips and assign tasks and activities within the area to meet programmatic needs
✅ Maintain inventory records and needs for the creative arts area
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of adaptability and flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs and abilities of participants.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (Required)
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of working with individuals with developmental disabilities/Autism
Required Skills:
- Understanding and knowledge of creative arts programs
- Ability to be innovative with projects and activities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to act as a liaison and report staff or participant issues promptly
Preferred Skills:
- 2 years of leadership experience
- Ability to create schedules and activity plans
- Experience with developing and teaching creative arts classes/workshops
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it is assumed that candidates should have a genuine interest in working with individuals with developmental disabilities and a passion for creative arts.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $17.50 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Working Hours: 8-hour shift, Day shift, Monday to Friday
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles in the non-profit sector and the location of the job.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Bittersweet Farms operates in the Individual and Family Services sector, focusing on providing support and services to individuals with autism and their families.
Company Size: Bittersweet Farms has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Bittersweet Farms was founded in 1983, making it an established organization with a long history of serving the community.
Company Description:
- Bittersweet Farms is a non-profit organization that positively impacts the lives of individuals with autism and those whose lives they touch.
- The organization provides residential, vocational, educational, and recreational programs to support individuals with autism across northwest Ohio.
- Bittersweet Farms was the first farmstead program for adults with autism in the United States.
Company Specialties:
- Autism
- Transitional Services
- Vocational Services
- Residential
- Nonprofit
- and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Company Website: http://www.bittersweetfarms.org
ASSUMPTION: Bittersweet Farms is dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized services to support individuals with autism in achieving their full potential.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry to mid-level position within the creative arts therapy field, offering opportunities for growth and development.
Reporting Structure: The Creative Arts Specialist will report directly to the Staffing Manager and collaborate with other program specialists.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time position with standard business hours from Monday to Friday.
Growth Opportunities:
- With experience and demonstrated skills, there may be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or move into a leadership role.
- Bittersweet Farms offers a full benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, life, 401K, short term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, and Employer Resource Network (ERN) assistance.
ASSUMPTION: Bittersweet Farms values employee growth and development and provides opportunities for employees to advance their careers within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Bittersweet Farms operates multiple locations across northwest Ohio, with the main office in Whitehouse, Ohio.
Office Location(s): 12660 Archbold-Whitehouse Rd., Whitehouse, OH 43571, US
Geographic Context:
- Whitehouse, Ohio, is a small city located in northwest Ohio, with a population of approximately 8,000 people.
- The area offers a mix of rural and suburban living, with easy access to nearby cities such as Toledo and Findlay.
- The region is known for its strong agricultural industry and close-knit communities.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this position is an 8-hour shift, Monday to Friday, with no nights or weekends required.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Bittersweet Farms is supportive and collaborative, with a strong focus on teamwork and communication.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Candidates' understanding of and experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
- Candidates' creativity and innovation in developing and implementing creative arts therapy programs
- Candidates' communication and interpersonal skills
- Candidates' ability to work collaboratively with other program specialists
Application Tips:
- Highlight any relevant experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or autism.
- Demonstrate your creativity and innovation in your resume and cover letter by providing examples of creative arts projects or programs you have developed or participated in.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the organization's mission, values, or the specific needs of the participants in the creative arts therapy programs.
ATS Keywords: Creative arts therapy, developmental disabilities, autism, program development, activity planning, communication, collaboration, liaison, inventory management
ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Bittersweet Farms is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit for the organization and the specific role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Suite
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Creative arts software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate)
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it is assumed that candidates should have a basic proficiency in using common office software and project management tools, as well as any relevant creative arts software.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Respect
- Excellence
- Innovation
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Supportive
- Adaptable
- Creative
- Detail-oriented
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a genuine passion for working with individuals with developmental disabilities and a strong commitment to their well-being?
- Are you able to maintain a safe and supportive environment while fostering creativity and independence?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment and enjoy working with a diverse team of professionals?
ASSUMPTION: Bittersweet Farms values employees who embody their core values and work style, creating a positive and supportive work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working with individuals who have complex needs and behaviors, which can be challenging at times.
- There may be a need to work flexible hours to accommodate participants' schedules or community outreach trips.
- The role may involve physical demands, such as lifting or moving equipment and materials.
- The organization operates multiple locations, which may require travel between sites.
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges exist, Bittersweet Farms provides extensive training and support to help employees succeed in their roles.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions, such as Art Therapist or Recreational Therapist, in its focus on creative arts therapy programs specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Bittersweet Farms is a non-profit organization, which may offer different compensation and benefits packages compared to for-profit organizations in the same field.
- Career paths within Bittersweet Farms may differ from those in other organizations, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.
ASSUMPTION: When comparing this role to similar positions, it is essential to consider the unique aspects of working in a non-profit organization and the specific needs of the individuals served by Bittersweet Farms.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a pottery program for participants with varying levels of ability and interest
- Creating a community outreach trip to a local art museum or gallery to expose participants to different artistic styles and mediums
- Designing and facilitating a hand crafts workshop focused on developing fine motor skills and self-expression
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the creative and innovative approach required to develop and implement effective creative arts therapy programs at Bittersweet Farms.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the specific needs of the participants in the creative arts therapy programs and how this role will address those needs?
- How does Bittersweet Farms support and collaborate with other program specialists to create comprehensive and effective programs for participants?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the organization, particularly for someone in this role?
- How does Bittersweet Farms ensure the health and safety of both participants and staff members in its programs?
- What is the typical work-life balance for employees in this role, and how does the organization support work-life balance?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization and helps you make an informed decision about your career.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Customize your resume to highlight your relevant experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or autism and your creativity and innovation in developing and implementing creative arts programs.
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your passion for working with individuals with developmental disabilities and your understanding of the specific needs of the participants in the creative arts therapy programs at Bittersweet Farms.
- If applicable, prepare examples or a portfolio showcasing your creative arts projects or programs.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
