Music Therapist

Specialized Education Services • Chicago, IL

4d

About The Position

The Music Therapist provides individual, small-group, and community music therapy to students across multiple campuses and participates in interdisciplinary treatment planning. The therapist develops treatment plans in collaboration with school administrators and students’ treatment teams. The role also includes individual and group supervision, clinical observation, professional development, in-services, and responsibilities connected with special events and agency-wide processes. The position may be part-time or full-time; applicants can discuss their preference and availability during the interview process.

Requirements

• Use a strengths-based theoretical framework.
• Demonstrate strong clinical musicianship.
• Ability to work independently at multiple agency sites.
• Ability to communicate effectively with professionals, students, and families.
• Strong art-based assessment skills, including familiarity with the Expressive Therapy Continuum, IMCAP, and J. Loewy assessment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from an AMTA-approved program.
• Proof of application for Illinois Licensed Professional Music Therapy licensure (LPMT) within one week of hire.
• Ability to run short distances and move swiftly in response to student needs, including bending, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to lift and assist students with mobility challenges, often handling up to 50 pounds or more.
• Skill in fine motor tasks, such as helping students with writing, manipulating small objects, or using adaptive devices.
• Ability to operate a computer or tablet for up to eight hours daily.
• Capacity to notice and respond to students’ non-verbal cues.
• Capacity to remain calm and composed during physically and emotionally demanding situations to ensure student safety and well-being.

Nice To Haves

• Additional Master’s degree from an AMTA-approved program, such as a Master of Music Therapy (MMT) and/or Master of Arts in Music Therapy (M.A.).
• Board-certified music therapist (MT-BC); candidates with proof of a scheduled exam may be considered, but board-certified candidates are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assess students and provide appropriate services across multiple campuses.
• Provide individual, small-group, and community music therapy.
• Develop creative arts therapy treatment plans.
• Document services in student files according to regulatory agency requirements.
• Collaborate with treatment teams as necessary.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning.
• Provide in-services to team members as appropriate and in coordination with the expressive therapy department.
• Actively participate in individual and group supervision.
• Maintain licensure according to state and federal regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time