Music Therapist
About The Position
The Music Therapist provides developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed music therapy services to children and adolescents receiving psychiatric residential treatment. The therapist uses evidence-based music interventions to support emotional regulation, self-expression, coping skills, communication, social development, behavioral stabilization, and relationship building. Working as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team, collaborating with families, therapists, psychiatrists, nursing staff, educators, direct-care staff, and other treatment providers. Services may include individual, group, and family-focused interventions designed to address treatment-plan goals and the unique needs of children and families impacted by trauma, behavioral health concerns, attachment disruptions, and other adverse experiences.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in music therapy from an accredited program.
- MT-BC credential required
- Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed and strength-based approaches to treatment.
- Demonstrated ability to establish therapeutic relationships while maintaining proper professional boundaries.
- Strong clinical judgment, communication, documentation, organization, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Ability to adapt music therapy interventions to clients with diverse developmental, behavioral, emotional, cultural, and musical needs.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and therapeutic focused during periods of client distress or behavioral escalation.
- Commitment to providing culturally responsive, inclusive, and nonjudgmental care.
- Successful completion of required background checks, employment screenings, and facility-required training.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain certification within the organization's required time limit.
Nice To Haves
- A minimum of three years' experience working with children and/or adolescents preferred
- Experience in behavioral health, psychiatric residential treatment, trauma-informed care, foster care, community mental health, or related settings.
Responsibilities
- Provide individual, group, and family music therapy consistent with each client’s treatment plan and identify clinical needs.
- Complete music therapy assessments and identify clinical goals, interventions, and outcomes.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized music therapy treatment plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Utilize music-based interventions to facilitate safe emotional expression and processing while maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries.
- Incorporate songwriting, lyric discussion, improvisation, music listening, movement, rhythm-based activities, relaxation techniques, and other appropriate clinical interventions.
- Provide interventions for children with varying developmental abilities, behavioral presentations, cognitive abilities, cultural backgrounds, and levels of musical experience.
- Coordinate care with therapists and other treatment providers.
- Maintain timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation, including assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries.
- Maintain a safe therapeutic environment in accordance with facility policies.
- Maintain professional boundaries and protect client privacy and dignity.
- Maintain and safely manage music therapy instruments, equipment, supplies, and therapeutic materials.
- Provide annual in-service presentations and education for staff around music therapy.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
