Music Specialist - School Age Program

Brightway•Smithtown, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Brightway Living & Learning is hiring a full-time Music Specialist for its School Age Program. The role involves teaching music to individuals with developmental disabilities in ungraded, self-contained classrooms. School programs operate on a 12-month calendar. The specialist may travel among School Age Program locations and provides push-in services rather than being assigned to a specific classroom unless directed by a supervisor. The specialist develops and delivers music instruction and assessments consistent with New York State requirements, prepares session plans and notes, and documents services according to program procedures. The position works collaboratively with classroom staff and other therapists, communicates with families about student progress, maintains instructional materials and music resources, and may support staff training, student activities, and broader program duties. The position is based on a Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. schedule. Brightway describes itself as a nonprofit human-services provider serving children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities on Long Island. It offers training, professional development, benefits, retirement savings, tuition reimbursement, advancement opportunities, and paid time off for school breaks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree.
New York State teacher certification in Music.
Ability to work with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Ability to move or push tables and other heavy objects weighing up to 20 pounds; lift or move 20-pound mats; run after a student or to a classroom in need for up to 500 feet; kneel, twist, and bend; and respond to fire alarms.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.
Ability to sing and play musical instruments, including keyboard and/or guitar, is preferred.
Empathic, compassionate, and patient disposition.
Positive, energetic, and enthusiastic approach.
Good communication and teamwork skills.
Passion for making a difference.

Responsibilities

Conduct music classes for assigned and scheduled classrooms.
Travel to multiple School Age Program locations as needed to conduct classes.
Develop and implement music curricula consistent with New York State requirements.
Develop and implement student music assessments consistent with New York State requirements.
Prepare session notes and plans, and implement music sessions according to program policies and procedures.
Collaborate with classroom staff using thematic units.
Prepare IEP goals consistent with the Learning Standards.
Document all sessions according to program procedures.
Communicate with parents about student progress through materials and methods such as flyers, newsletters, letters, and parent meetings, at intervals prescribed by the program.
Attend and successfully complete required training and in-services; present and teach in-services to staff when requested.
Manage music-instruction materials, supplies, and equipment, ensuring they are available and properly used.
Manage recordings of student musical works as necessary.
Provide sample instructional music to classrooms and assist classroom staff in playing it as needed.
Create and maintain a library of musical pieces and compile appropriate websites for instruction, calming, and thematic music.
Create musical instructional activities for special purposes or individual students, such as songs for brushing teeth or transitioning activities.
Work with individual students as needed to maintain ratio.
Provide push-in services and use a particular location only if directed by a supervisor.
Collaborate routinely with other therapists to support cooperative learning and build on students’ other skills.
Assist with bus duty, lunch coverage, committees, graduation, and other assigned duties.
Ensure seasonal decorations are displayed in the program or site.
Perform duties in accordance with agency and program policies and procedures.