Job Description:
The Music Therapy Program at UR Medicine is looking for a highly motivated, creative Board-Certified Music Therapist to join our team to serve patients treated by the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Program. This position will be responsible for providing high-quality function-based music therapy to adult patients, and occasionally pediatric patients, to assist in recovery from disabling conditions including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, acquired brain injury, stroke, or medically complex rehabilitation. The Music Therapist will utilize clinical interventions within individual and collaborative sessions, designed to induce brain plasticity and aid in neuro-recovery, to help improve or maintain function and improve overall health and quality of life.
The Music Therapist influences behavioral, physical, cognitive, emotional, and biopsychosocial changes leading to restoration, maintenance, and improvement of health and increased comprehension of self. The Music Therapist develops specific treatment goals for each patient based on patient and family input, as well as feedback from the interdisciplinary team. They also play a vital role in educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the role of music therapy in medical settings.
- Individual Direct Care Provides individual music therapy sessions to patients on designated units/areas. Reviews comprehensive information related to all assigned patients on a daily basis. Utilizes evidence-based practice to assess for patient and family needs and develop a treatment plan that addresses physiological, psychosocial, and/or developmental needs of patients. Uses music therapeutically by incorporating professional expertise and knowledge related to human development and healthcare experiences. Continually evaluates effectiveness of interventions. Adheres to the Scope of Practice and Code of Professional Practice of The Certification Board for Music Therapists, as well as the Standards of Clinical Practice, Professional Competencies, and Code of Ethics of The American Music Therapy Association.
- Indirect Patient Care and Planning: Prepares specific music interventions for caseload (e.g., practice/prepare songs, record, create playlists). Attends and participates in appropriate interdisciplinary team meetings/committees. Documents clinical outcomes, program statistics, patient/caregiver/staff satisfaction, efficacy, and research results, as appropriate. Presents to healthcare team on units/programs served at least once per year. Attends monthly supervision with Senior Music Therapist for minimum of one hour. Discusses successes/concerns with caseload and overall progress, as well any other issues that arise. Assists in the maintenance of equipment/supplies and adheres to infection control policies. Evaluates and purchases supplies and equipment, as needed (purchases must be approved). Complies with all hospital and department policies and procedures.
- Group Direct Care Provides group music therapy sessions to patients on designated unites/areas. Provides staff wellness events and special events as needed. Identifies and provides appropriate music resources to patients and their families and maintains these resources to be safe and accessible.
- Advocacy: Participates in educational experiences for students and/or professionals through interviews and/or presentations. May give presentations to departments/programs within the hospital, outside organizations (e.g., at national, regional, and/or local conferences), support groups, or collegiate classes, as well as interviews with high school students/community members expressing interest in music therapy.
- Leadership: Provides shadowing opportunities for students/professionals after completion of six months of work experience at this facility, as determined by the Senior Music Therapist. Provides supervision of music therapy practicum students and/or interns after completion of one year of work experience at this facility, or as determined by the Senior Music Therapist. May assist with required paperwork.
- Research: Participates in music therapy research proposals, protocols, and publications, as appropriate. Assists with study development, recruitment/consent, implementing intervention, and/or data collection.
- Professional Development: Participates in continuing education regarding medical music therapy or other related areas to maintain professional competency and meet continuing education requirements for board certification and licensure, as appropriate. Assists in program development and advocacy, including grant writing, collaboration with Department of Advancement/Development & Community Affairs, and communicating with potential donors, as determined by the Senior Music Therapist.
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
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- Bachelor’s degree required in Music Therapy from an accredited college or university
- Master’s degree preferred.
- Prefer 2 years of relevant experience.
- Experience related to programming and schedule of music therapy preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of medical music therapy, including developmentally appropriate practices, patient assessment, and evaluation.
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- Strong knowledge of relevant music and materials.
- Competent with a variety of musical instruments and skills including transposition, improvisation, song writing, instrumental/vocal arranging, adapting instruments, and therapeutic music activities.
- Can apply music therapy principles and techniques to a variety of patient needs, including pediatric, adolescent, and adult.
- Ability to evaluate interventions and demonstrate competencies by providing age-appropriate care to patients and their family.
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- Knowledge of research design and methodology.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Demonstrates basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products, and both Windows & Macintosh systems.
- Board certified by The Certification Board for Music Therapists (MT-BC) or obtained within 6 months of hire required.
- New York State licensure (LCAT) or limited permit eligible preferred.