MUSIC THERAPIST (BA)

REPORTS TO:

Director of Clinical Services

SUMMARY STATEMENT & PURPOSE

The Music Therapist provides evidence-based music interventions to support the emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of patients in a psychiatric behavioral health setting. This role collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans that incorporate music therapy as a therapeutic modality.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music Therapy from an AMTA-approved program.
• Certification: MT-BC (Board Certified Music Therapist) required.
• License: Washington State Music Therapy License.
• Skills: Strong musical proficiency, therapeutic communication, and crisis intervention skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience, preferably with knowledge of psychiatric patient care and an understanding of mental illness.
• Direct experience in group facilitation is strongly preferred.

SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: All listed functions are considered essential unless otherwise specified.
The responsibilities of this position are not limited to the duties outlined below and may include other tasks as assigned to meet operational and patient care needs.

• Assess patient needs and develop music therapy treatment plans aligned with clinical goals.
• Facilitate individual and group music therapy sessions using singing, instrument play, songwriting, and music listening.
• Document patient progress and outcomes in compliance with hospital and state regulations.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers to integrate music therapy into comprehensive care plans.
• Maintain ethical standards and adhere to Washington State licensing requirements.

PHYSICAL & SENSORY REQUIREMENTS, WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS:

• Need to be physically fit and able to perform all required recreational therapy activities.
• Ability to work with various patient age groups (adolescent, adult and geriatric).
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Ability to stand, or walk up to six hours, sit for up to two hours.
• Ability to occasionally push/pull wheeled carts up to 200 lbs. (i.e. crash carts, patients on stretchers or in wheel chairs).
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 10 lbs. (charts, records).
• Ability to see well enough to read written material.
• Ability to discern a variety of odors.
• Ability to handle hazardous/infectious waste on an occasional basis.
• Ability to work in an environment where the noise level is frequently high where chemicals are frequently used for cleaning; where mechanical and electrical hazards may occasionally be present; and where dust, mist, and steam are frequently generated in housekeeping tasks.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.