In our organization, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to promote holistic well-being. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Arts and Wellness Facilitator to join our team. In this role, you will create and implement innovative arts-based programs that foster mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Art from the Inside is seeking a part-time, temporary Arts and Wellness Program Facilitator who will work closely with Art from the Inside staff and participants, correctional staff, and guest instructors to provide a supportive and enriching environment for Art from the Inside participants.

How you can contribute:

Program Development:

• Co-design and develop a structured visual arts and wellness program tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the incarcerated population.

• Collaborate with mental health professionals to integrate therapeutic elements into the program.

  Facilitation of Workshops:

• Lead engaging and inclusive arts and wellness sessions, ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere for participants.

• Utilize art as a tool to encourage community-building and positive identity development for participants.

  Collaboration and Communication:

• Liaise with correctional staff, case managers, and other facility staff and administrators to ensure logistics, facility and supply needs, and communication with participants is effective and responsive to successfully implement the programming.

• Communicate effectively with participants, fostering a positive and respectful atmosphere within the program.

  Evaluation and Documentation:

• Implement assessment tools to evaluate the impact of the program on participants' mental health and overall well-being.

• Maintain detailed records of participant progress and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to measure the impact and drive program improvement.

  Community Engagement:

• Work with Art from the Inside to organize and facilitate community projects and exhibitions, showcasing the artistic achievements of participants, as needed.

• Foster relationships with local artists, organizations, and community members to enhance program offerings.

  Cultural Competence:

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness, creating an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates diversity.

• Collaborate with community members to integrate cultural elements into programs when applicable.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience developing and/or delivering group facilitated programming in the visual arts and wellness programming.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Experience in group facilitation, restorative justice, facilitation of support groups for individuals is highly desirable.

• Competence in cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals from various backgrounds.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Art Therapy, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with justice-impacted individuals. Justice-impacted individuals are eligible to apply if off paper, per DOC requirements.

• Understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on mental health.

• Experience working on a team and comfortable collaborating with others to co-create and co-deliver programming in a correctional setting.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and comfortable using email and basic computer skills including email and scheduling applications.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of relevant work (if applicable) to artfromtheinsidemn@gmail.com. Submit applications by February 2, 2023.

Hours and Compensation: this is part-time temporary contractor position through June 30, 2025. Continuation of the position is contingent on funding. Compensation dependent on qualifications.  

Programming will be delivered weekly in two-hour sessions in one or more Minnesota Correctional facilities located in Faribault, Stillwater, and Shakopee (women’s facility) or to persons on supervised release (location to be determined). Workshop sessions will likely be held during daytime hours during the week. Evenings or weekends are unlikely but may also be needed, depending on facility requirements.