Arts Therapies Assistant

Arts Therapies Assistant

West London NHS Trust Closing date: Thu, 05 Mar 2026

Artform: Combined arts
Role: Creative
Contract: Permanent
London

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 "> published -

Job Description

A unique opportunity has arisen for an Arts Therapies Assistant to join the dedicated Arts Therapies team within West London Forensic Services. In this role, you will support Art, Drama, and Music Therapists in delivering therapy groups across low and medium secure services for both men and women.

The role also includes facilitating therapeutic groups and supporting service users with entries to the Koestler Awards. You will receive regular supervision, participate in team meetings, engage in peer training and reflective practice, and collaborate closely with departments such as Psychology and Occupational Therapy.

We welcome enthusiastic, creative, and thoughtful applicants with a passion for the arts in therapy. Knowledge of Arts Therapies and psychodynamic approaches is highly valued.

There is also the possibility for this post to be offered as a job-share or part-time, offering flexibility for the right candidate.

In return, we provide a supportive environment with excellent opportunities for skill development and professional growth. West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse providers of mental health, community and social care in the UK.

Due to the volume of applications, this vacancy may close earlier than advised, so early applications are encouraged.

Job Requirements

Essential criteria

  • Diploma/degree in health care or arts related subject (e.g. psychology/mental health/art studies).

Desirable criteria

  • Other related academic qualifications
  • Further training in relevant areas of professional psychological therapies, mental health practice, arts qualification and/or research design and analysis
  • Advanced keyboard skills.

Experience

Essential criteria

  • At least six months as an HCA or equivalent in either a severe and enduring mental disorder or a forensic setting.

Desirable criteria

  • Experience of engagement/interest in art, music or drama
  • Experience of the application of arts or psychological support in different cultural contexts
  • Experience of working with service users with co-morbid substance use problems

Knowledge

Essential criteria

  • Able to understand a number of psychological models and their applications for service users with severe and enduring mental health problems and high levels of behavioural disturbance.

Job Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Arts Therapists, this role involves preparing therapy rooms and materials and supporting sessions by helping service users communicate and express themselves through various art forms within a safe and containing environment. The post holder will contribute to electronic case records, liaise with multidisciplinary teams, and assist with audit or research projects.

The role also includes coordinating submissions to the annual Koestler Awards and developing and facilitating a therapeutic group in line with Arts in Health principles. It requires the ability to assess and manage risk in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

This is a challenging yet highly rewarding role, demanding flexibility, resilience, and adaptability to meet complex needs while making a meaningful contribution to service users' wellbeing and creative development.

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Arts Therapies Assistant
  • Salary: £30k-£40k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Combined arts
  • Role: Creative
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Thu, 05 Mar 2026
  • Location:
    London
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Job: Arts Therapies Assistant

Job: Arts Therapies Assistant

Organisation: West London NHS Trust

Postcode: UB1 3EU

How to Apply