MUSIC THERAPIST

JOB SUMMARY

Assesses and implements music therapy for patients’ ages 2-21 years. Interventions may also be provided for siblings, parents and/or family groups.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

• Demonstrates the ability to assess patients’ interests and creative/expressive goals using knowledge of human development, treatment, healthcare stressors, cultural and family systems consistent with their developmental level for patients aged 0 -21years.
• Demonstrates the ability to modify music therapy interventions in order to achieve goals and improve performance.
• Utilizes music therapy interventions and assessments in order to help patients cope during their hospital stay, enhance self-esteem, reduce and manage stress throughout treatment, and increase social skills appropriate to developmental level.
• Provides a safe and therapeutic environment for individuals and groups. Utilizes appropriate music materials and equipment to address goals. Has the ability to manage patient behaviors in a group setting and individually. Reports any challenges to treatment team.
• Identifies environmental safety hazards and corresponding preventive/protective measures. Which include cleaning, restocking and/or maintenance of art supplies and other materials without specific direction.
• Demonstrates the ability to provide siblings with appropriate music therapy interventions in Sibshops programs or during sibling visits.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the clinical domains and range of treatment needed by the patients served.
• Advocates for patients by addressing clinical and psychosocial issues.
• Writes treatment plans, progress notes, logs and other communications to staff and fellow employees in a professional, timely and thorough manner.
  Informs supervisor of clinical or operational issues that may impact job performance or duties.
• Acts as consultant to other staff during evaluation and development of treatment plans within area of Specialization.
• Participates in and represents the department at team meetings or assigned work groups.
• Communicates regularly with patients, families and hospital staff. Interviews, trains and supervises volunteers.
• Works collaboratively with staff and assigned volunteers.
• Supervises music therapy interns; provides mentorship and orientation to child life and therapeutic recreation interns.
• Completes projects and educational in-services as assigned. Follows departmental guidelines related to productivity and efficiency with regard to direct-patient care hours and other duties, as assigned.
• Demonstrates and promotes excellent customer service.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy from an accredited college or university; Master’s degree preferred
• Music Therapy (MT-BC) board certification required
• CPR Certification Required

Work Orientation and Experience

• Two years professional experience working with children with special needs related to programming capacity as well as experience in clinical assessment and documentation.
• Must be credentialed by the Music Therapy Board (MT-BC) at time of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively and courteously with patients, visitors, and members of the healthcare team.
• Able to effectively manage children with special physical and psychosocial needs in a group or individual setting.
• Able to bend, stoop and lift children of varying weight and sizes up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Respiratory Training (may be obtained within three months of hire).
• Psychosocial Training/Aggressive Behavior Management Training.
• Ability to act quickly and decisively in emergency situations
• Able to communicate clearly and concisely both in written and verbal context

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Supervision Received
Child Life and Therapeutic Recreation Manager or designee
Supervision Exercised
Supervises assigned volunteer(s). Supervises music therapy interns.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Directly interfaces daily with patients, visitors, interdisciplinary care team members and other hospital staff.

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT USED

Operates patient care equipment specific to the age, condition and location of the patient such as adaptive equipment, feeding tubes and pumps, oxygen administration equipment and respiratory care equipment. Operates electrical games and computers.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/WORKING CONDITIONS

Limited risk of exposure to body fluids, infectious waste or blood borne diseases requiring the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to established protocol. Subjected to irregular hours. Occasional stress due to emergency situations or multiple demands.

This job description identifies the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not to be considered an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties or skills required of an incumbent.

Created 7/2/2025