MUSIC THERAPIST, X30

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions within this job family are assigned responsibilities for planning, organizing and directing or conducting patient therapy programs and instructing or supervising mentally ill or handicapped patients in music activities as a part of a therapeutic program.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• Evaluates patient capabilities and develops a treatment plan of musical activities adapted to the needs, interests, abilities and medical history of patients.
• Administers established professional treatment procedures; teaches and guides patients utilizing the treatment activities of the field of music therapy.
• Establishes therapeutic goals for individuals and plans programs to meet these goals.
• Periodically evaluates patient's progress toward established goals.
• Maintains clinical notes and records.
• Prepares reports of patient's reactions indicating the effectiveness of various activities.
• Coordinates the music therapy program with other services such as nursing, clinical, psychological and social service in order to accomplish overall therapeutic goals.
• Conducts prescribed therapy projects involving special instruction in vocal and instrumental music.
• Instructs and supervises patients or students in choral or instrumental groups and related music activities.
• Participates in organizing special musical entertainment programs for the institution and selects music for its best therapeutic effect.
• Directs Music Therapy Aides and Assistants implementing program activities.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

The Music Therapist job family consists of three levels which are distinguished by the complexity of the duties performed, the depth and breadth of accountability, the expertise required to perform assigned duties, and the responsibility assigned for the leadership of others.

Level I:                                                Code:  X30A                                         Salary Band:   I

This is the career level where incumbents function at the full performance level in providing professional level therapy to patients.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the principles and practices of music education, including both individual and group techniques; of music therapy and instrumentation; of the goals and practices of rehabilitation therapy as applied to musical activities of an institution or hospital; and of instructional techniques.  Ability is required to supervise, organize and instruct the mentally disabled; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to plan and administer an appropriate and effective music therapy program.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, music education or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of experience in a music therapy program for each year of the required education.

Level II:                                   Code:  X30B                                         Salary Band:    J

This is the specialist level where employees perform advanced level duties and responsibilities as a music therapist. Incumbents demonstrate expertise in the practice of music therapy, work independently, and coordinate a music therapy program.  Positions which are the only music therapy position at a facility or institution, with overall responsibility for developing and implementing a music therapy program, may be included in this level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the principles and practices of music education, including both individual and group techniques; of music theory and instrumentation; of the goals and practices of rehabilitation therapy as applied to musical activities of an institution of hospital; and of supervisory techniques.  Ability is required to supervise, organize and instruct staff and patients; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to plan and administer an effective music therapy program.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree in music therapy, music education or a closely related field and three years of experience in a music therapy program; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Level III:                                  Code:  X30C                                         Salary Band:   K

This is the leadership level where employees are assigned responsibility for the supervision of others in developing and implementing a music therapy program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level II plus knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II.