Art Instructor - Ceramics - Exceptional Childrens Foundation

Title:  Art Instructor - Ceramics
Reports to:  Program Supervisor or Lead Art Instructor
Department: Westside Art Center Program
Location: Westside Art Center 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Compensation: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Program Hours:  Monday – Friday,  8:00 am to 3:30 pm.  Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Supervisory Responsibility:  None
 Under supervision, the Art Instructor will teach ceramics to consumers (adults with varying degrees of learning, behavioral, emotional, and intellectual disabilities) in the program.  Implement special education and behavior treatment plans. 
  

• Implement artistic, educational, and behavioral support plans for assigned consumers, referring to consumers IPP. Ensure consumers’ well-being during operating hours of the Art Center, while on the premises, and out in the community.  Maintain case notes on a monthly basis and participate in meetings and other in-services as assigned.  Ensure consumers’ attendance books are accurate and complete.  Provide supervision during consumers’ arrival, departure, and lunchtime.
• Give instruction in the proper use of materials, care, and protection of artwork, production of saleable art, and help consumers to become proficient in ceramics.  Ensure the safe use of equipment, including basic safety measures to be used when working with various glazes, kiln, throwing wheel and other ceramic tools, safe lifting procedures (load/unload finished ceramic pieces from kiln), etc.  Create any protocols needed for increased safety.  Monitor artist throughout their entire ceramic art project. Assist and instruct consumers on projects related to their IPP (Individual Program Plan) in ceramics.
• Set up/prepare ceramic equipment to be used on a daily basis and maintain equipment; ensure inventory of ceramic supplies are ordered and maintained.  Ensure all art equipment is being properly used and maintained by consumers and assigned studio area is maintained and clean.  Organize consumers’ portfolios by properly labeling and storing artwork in the appropriate areas.
• Participate in staff meetings to identify and implement artistic, educational, psychological and social objectives for each consumer.
• Provide staffing support for promotions and set up for events when needed.  This includes, but is not limited to art receptions, vendor fairs, art markets, and open houses.
• Follow appropriate protocol and policies in assisting consumers during any incidents or seizures.  Employ NCI procedures as needed to assist consumers who are exhibiting aggressive behavior.  Adhere to ECF’s Illness and Injury Prevention Safety Program and follow ECF guidelines for reporting medical emergencies, suspected abuse or neglect and unusual incidents to counseling or supervisory staff.  Implement First Aid/CPR as necessary.  Assist consumers with personal hygiene needs including toileting, illness and incidents of incontinence.
• Be available to help promote the Art Centers during work hours.  This includes, but is not limited to, informing the public of the Art Center mission and services when the public is touring Art Center facilities, asking questions during events, or inquiring about how they can support the program.  Support Art Center events and programs through distribution of materials and information to all interested parties.

 

• Staff and supervise special exhibits and Art Center work at various locations and times.  Assist in organizing art shows and events which may include matting, framing, and installation and tear down of shows.  Greet the public and assist consumers with presenting and discussing their work with the public.
• Comply with ECF’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program.  Ensure safe use and operation of tools and/or equipment.
• Comply with ECF policies and procedures, including mandated reporting requirements.
• Regular, reliable in-person attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 
Education/Licenses/Certifications: Bachelor’s degree and demonstrable ceramic skills. 

Experience: Six months in any combination of the following: studio work, teaching (including undergrad TA positions), work on public and private art projects, art installations, work in art museums, or any other directly related experience.

Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:

• Knowledge of kiln operation, throwing wheel, and other ceramic tools.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to teach adult artists.
• Ability to use public transportation or personal vehicle to transport consumers for community outings.
• Availability to teach all consumers in the Art Center Program.

 

• Portfolio of completed work.
• Available for weekend and evening work for art shows at ECF’s gallery and other locations.
• Pass a DOJ background investigation.
• Provide evidence of a negative TB test initially and every three years thereafter.
• Obtain and maintain NCI, First Aid and CPR certification.

 
This is a program for adults who have varying degrees of learning, behavioral, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Employee may encounter consumers who are in crisis, exhibiting emotional/psychological distress or behaving in an aggressive manner.  Exposure to odors from acrylic paints, oil base paints, and cleaning and mixing solutions; fine debris from ceramics; mild noise from the kiln and from instructors and artists interacting in an open space. Environment may include frequent interruptions, loud noise, varying indoor temperature, and drafts.  Exposure to changes in temperature and weather conditions when travelling to art exhibits, other ECF sites, etc.
 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.
 

• Mobility to circulate among consumers for approximately 80% of work shift.
• Frequent use of vision to teach art and demonstrate techniques.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Regularly push, pull, and lift up to 60 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to push consumers in wheelchairs and assist non-ambulatory consumer with transferring to and from wheelchairs.
• Occasionally required to travel to various sites within Los Angeles County.
• Ability to implement NCI, First Aid, and CPR