Part Time Art Trainer

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:          VOCATIONAL ART TEACHER

REPORTS TO:      HEAD OF SCHOOL

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To equip learners with neurological conditions (Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, ADHD, Learning Difficulties) with practical visual art and creative production skills that promote independence, emotional expression, employability, and self-confidence.

The Art Teacher supports vocational skill development, talent identification, creative expression, and work readiness within a structured, safe, and inclusive learning environment. At Ubuntu Life Foundation, art is not only therapy, it is a pathway to dignity, economic participation, and purposeful contribution.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Vocational Art Skills Training

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• Teach foundational and practical art skills including:
  
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  • Drawing and sketching
    
  • Painting (acrylic, watercolor, mixed media)
    
  • Craft production (beadwork, paper crafts, fabric art, recycled art)
    
  • Basic design and creative product development
    
  
  
• Break projects into structured, manageable steps appropriate to ability levels.
  
• Use demonstrations, visual aids, repetition, and guided practice.
  
• Adapt tools and materials to accommodate fine motor or sensory challenges.
  
• Focus on skill mastery, creativity, and quality rather than speed.
  

2. Independence & Functional Development

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• Promote independence in:
  
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  • Tool and material handling
    
  • Workspace setup and clean-up
    
  • Project completion from start to finish
    
  
  
• Build task persistence and follow-through.
  
• Encourage responsibility for materials and shared resources.
  
• Develop time awareness and structured work habits.
  

Art training must translate into practical independence and productive engagement.

3. Talent Identification & Skill Advancement

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• Observe learners for:
  
  • 
    
  • Fine motor coordination
    
  • Attention to detail
    
  • Creativity and originality
    
  • Color awareness and design sense
    
  • Patience and task completion
    
  
  
• Identify strengths in specific mediums or techniques.
  
• Provide differentiated instruction and focused practice for learners demonstrating strong aptitude.
  
• Gradually increase complexity of tasks to build confidence and competence.
  
• Encourage development of a personal artistic style within structured guidance.
  

4. Social & Professional Skills Development

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• Teach learners to follow instructions and accept feedback constructively.
  
• Encourage collaboration in group projects.
  
• Reinforce workplace behaviors:
  
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  • Listening skills
    
  • Turn-taking
    
  • Respect for others’ work
    
  • Conflict resolution
    
  
  
• Build confidence in presenting and explaining their artwork.
  

Learners are prepared not only to create art — but to function within structured work settings.

5. Linking Art to Economic Empowerment

For learners demonstrating readiness:

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• Introduce basic product pricing and value recognition.
  
• Teach simple record-keeping for art sales.
  
• Guide learners in producing consistent, marketable items.
  
• Support participation in community markets, exhibitions, or fundraising events.
  
• Contribute to transition planning toward internships, supported employment, or small enterprise development where appropriate.
  

6. Emotional Expression & Therapeutic Integration

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• Use art as a tool for emotional expression and regulation.
  
• Create a calm, sensory-sensitive environment.
  
• Support learners in expressing identity, experiences, and aspirations through creative work.
  
• Collaborate with therapy teams where art can reinforce emotional and developmental goals.
  

7. Health, Safety & Safeguarding

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• Ensure safe use and storage of tools and materials.
  
• Monitor appropriate handling of scissors, paints, adhesives, and other equipment.
  
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness of the art workspace.
  
• Be aware of medical considerations (e.g., fatigue, sensory sensitivity).
  
• Adhere to safeguarding and dignity standards at all times.
  

8. Documentation & Progress Tracking

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• Maintain individual learner development profiles including:
  
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  • Technical skill growth
    
  • Creativity and design development
    
  • Independence level
    
  • Task completion consistency
    
  • Social and professional behavior
    
  
  
• Contribute to Ubuntu’s impact framework focused on independence, inclusion, and employability.
  

Interested candidates to apply via hr_foundation@ubuntu.life