Designs, coordinates, and implements an innovative music therapy program for individuals in emotional distress which integrates the principles and theories of music therapy. The Music Therapist, who reports to the Manager of Activity Therapy, conducts sessions for assigned groups, expedites patient documentation and reports according to department policy, manages an assigned case load, monitors patient behavior and reactions, expresses genuine interest in patient progress, and reports unusual incidents to supervisory personnel. Other responsibilities include maintaining current knowledge of procedures, observing all departmental and hospital policies and procedures, participating in treatment team meetings and educational programs, and supervising students and volunteers. The Therapist demonstrates compassion and respect for the physical and psychological needs relevant to the age of the patient served.

Job Function :

1. PATIENT CARE
   1. Integrates and applies the principles and theories of Music Therapy in the health care setting by utilizing knowledge of music media, theory, the creative process, music performance skills and music resources with theories of human growth, development and therapy to ensure high quality mental heath services are provided. Advances the quality and scope of Music Therapy services.
   2. Explores/assesses patient needs and evaluates functioning, considering patients' overall skills, deficits and levels of motivation as related to departmental coping skills addressed. Completes timely assessments. Develops timely and effective plans of care. Updates/adapts plans of care to accommodate changing patient needs. In addition to departmental Activity Therapy assessments, conducts Music Therapy or other specialized assessments as needed.
   3. Develops therapeutic relationships. Provides care to patients in a manner that consider patient safety, comfort and therapeutic environment in a caring and respectful manner. Develops therapeutic relationships. Expresses genuine interest in patient progress, addressing individual patient needs with compassion and high quality care. Adapts conventional Music Therapy techniques to meet the needs of patients unable to comprehend verbal commands or voluntarily carry out therapeutic activity. Develops separate programming for special needs patients who are are unable to benefit from group sessions. Intervenes to promote optimal functioning. Monitors patient behavior, symptoms and reactions in a professional manner, promptly reports pertinent information to appropriate personnel and does needed follow-up.
   4. Completes daily charting addressing patient response to coping skills taught, interventions made, progress toward treatment objectives and significant patient behaviors. Also expedites timely documentation regarding patient care in unit books, AT stats sheets and reports as assigned, in a manner consistent with departmental policies and procedures and health care standards of the hospital.
2. COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP
   1. Manages assigned case load. Conducts assigned sessions in a timely manner within the parameters of Music Therapy, other areas of expertise and within Activity Therapy in general.
   2. Provides assistance in covering weekend, evening, and holiday and seasonal functions, disaster and recovery teams and maintains flexibility in adapting to schedule changes.
   3. Develops effective working relationships. Actively participates in and contributes to treatment team meetings, initiates, develops and implements department functions in conjunction with units and department needs. Collaborates with team by making recommendations/structuring overall services from the standpoint of Music Therapy and educating team about own discipline. Serves as liaison between the Activity Therapy department and units represented.
   4. Supervises students, peers, others as assigned in accordance with hospital, departmental an school policies. Assists other disciplines in appropriate applications of Activity Therapy services. Consults with other disciplines to expand own knowledge base and coordinate delivery of services.
3. QUALITY AND REGULATORY
   1. Contributes to departmental and hospital Performance Initiatives.
   2. Expands, develops and improves programs and services according to departmental and hospital plans and as needs arise. Takes initiative in recognizing and addressing needs in keeping with best practices and current trends for optimal health care.
   3. Observes and adheres to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures and standards of safety, quality and infection control. Submits accurate, timely safety event reports and uses these as an opportunity to explore options for improved and safer processes.
   4. Meets all hospital and continuing education requirements. Promotes the quality and efficiency of own performance through participation in staff educational programs, approved continuing education courses, specialized skill training programs and other opportunities as appropriate. Shares own expertise formally and informally with others to further the quality of education and personal growth of staff and students and others.
4. SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
   1. Submits timely orders for supplies and equipment, maintains appropriate quantities for therapy services. Performs routine maintenance on supplies and equipment. Submits orders for repair and upkeep of equipment.
   2. Maintains supplies and equipment in an orderly and accessible manner. Educates patients and staff on safe use, care and storage of supplies and equipment used in Music Therapy. Maintains a safe, sanitary and functional environment. Is a good steward of resources; uses them in a prudent and efficient manner.
   3. Maintains unit leisure inventories as scheduled and appropriate for the population served.
   4. Performs other duties as assigned or requested.