Music Therapist

Summary of 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.

Essential Job Duties:

• 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.