Studio Aide
Apply online here.
Arts of Life, a 501C3 nonprofit, advances the creative arts community by providing artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collective space to expand their practice and strengthen their leadership. Founded in 2000, Arts of Life is realizing its vision of a working, person-centric, artistic community that provides a work environment of equality. Today, we represent over 60 artists at two professional art studio locations in Chicago and Glenview, IL.
The Opportunity
The Studio Aide will be responsible for providing direct services to one artist on a rotational basis in our North Shore studio. In collaboration with the studio team, the Studio Aide will support the artist with tasks involving art making, personal care, and mealtime assistance. This individual is expected to contribute towards maintaining a creative environment that promotes respect and dignity, collective decision-making, leadership, and health and safety at all times.
Our Culture
Arts of Life is proud to foster a culture of collaboration and respect. We strive to function under a relatively flat hierarchy, with collective decision-making at the heart of our initiatives. Work is typically done in small teams, and Leadership is enthusiastically accessible to all employees. Work-life balance is highly encouraged, and employees are welcome to use the studio facilities after hours and on weekends.
Be Yourself
Arts of Life is firmly committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We value your unique experiences and strongly encourage People of the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, trans, non-binary people, people with disabilities, system-impacted people, veterans, and people of all ages to apply.
The Role
AofL Culture: Develop a strong sense of belonging that emphasizes radical vulnerability and candor and promotes transparency and collaboration throughout your program. Artist Leadership: Ensure artists are key contributors to your program’s development by providing leadership opportunities and including them in critical relationships and decisions.Personal Care Support: Assist artists of all genders who require personal care in the restroom, appropriately report any medical issues observed, and ensure that the bathroom(s) remain sanitary, organized, and inviting. Support artists who need assistance eating and ensure that food items are appropriate for each individual’s dietary needs.Documentation and Reporting: Implement and oversee attendance tracking & billing in accordance with agency policies. Supervise the documentation of all artists’ activities in Therap, and provide detailed General Event Reports and T-Logs. Provide monthly attendance reports on all programming.
From time to time, you may be assigned other job-related duties within your scope of practice.
What You’ll Need to be Successful
Registered Direct Support Person (DSP) in the state of Illinois or willing to pursue registration through The Arts of Life.A valid driver’s license and proof of insurance are preferred.Ability to bend and lift to assist with a one or two-person manual transfer. Experience with Hoyer lifts is preferredAbility to perform basic physical moves such as kneeling, reaching, crouching, bending, and twistingCPR and First Aid certification or willingness to pursue certification through Arts of Life upon hire.Fully vaccinated (2 Pfizer/Moderna or 1 J&J) + boosters as recommended
Knowledge, skills, and behaviors:
Takes initiative; is dedicated and creative, with strong organizational and time management skills.Commitment to the process of artistic skills development as an avenue for growth and independence for people with intellectual/ developmental disabilities.Experience with social service agencies is a plus.Proficient in using Mac platforms and Google Suite.Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Analytical and problem-solving skillsSkilled at establishing and cultivating strong relationships with peers across different levels of the organization
Schedule
This is a part-time (12 hours) in-person position. Generally, a weekday, daytime position with hours approximately from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. However, Arts of Life is an operating art studio, and with advanced notice your hours may occasionally fluctuate during events, exhibitions, or other time
