Music Therapist

Provides comprehensive music therapy assessment and treatment interventions for pediatric patients, siblings, and families. Primary responsibilities include: conducting group and individual therapy; maintaining accurate and up-to-date charting, data, and statistics; maintaining supplies and organizing inventory, supporting community and donor relations, and supervising music therapy interns and volunteers.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals’ donor-funded facility dog program is among its most powerful resources. Animal-assisted therapy provides measurable improvements in blood pressure and cardiovascular health, increased endorphin release, and many emotional and mental health benefits – including for families and staff.

What sets our facility dog program apart is its significant therapeutic value for our patients. These highly trained dogs are partnered with professional handlers – in our case credentialed child life specialists and music therapists – trained to help children and families navigate illness, injury, disability, trauma, or hospitalization. Handler and dog collaborate at the highest level to build therapeutic relationships with patients and meet each child’s medical needs.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsibilities

1. Assess needs of patients and families to develop individualized music therapy treatment plans in collaboration with the healthcare team.
2. Implement evidence-based music therapy interventions to address emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs of patients and their families.
3. Document and evaluate patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
4. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
5. Advocate for the benefits of music therapy within the hospital and the larger community.
6. Maintain professional knowledge through continuous education and participation in relevant workshops, conferences, and professional organizations.
7. Adhere to the ethical guidelines and standards of practice set forth by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and other applicable regulations.
8. Demonstrate and maintain professional competence according to the American Music Therapy Association Professional Competencies.
9. Supervises volunteers and music therapy students.
10. Supports community partnerships, special projects, and music therapy program development.
11. Participate and assist in department-wide activities as needed.

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

• Conforms to required annual immunization/testing.
• Observes policies on Universal Precautions.
• Maintains current knowledge of all safety information pertinent to job functions and demonstrates adherence.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

• Readily assists co-workers, displaying a positive attitude.
• Complies with departmental dress requirements.
• Supports UCSF and Patient Care Services mission and objectives.
• Demonstrates responsibility for effect on other staff by:
• Respecting others’ opinions and ideas.
• Maintaining harmonious and professional relationships with all co-workers.
• Maintaining emotional control in stressful situations.
• Utilizes sick leave appropriately.
• Assures that Manager is provided with appropriate backup coverage during any planned or unplanned absences.
• Assuring that the person providing backup coverage is fully informed of job duties and expectations during absence.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Demonstrates a caring and interested manner
• Problem solves with customers
• Creates an environment in which customers feel valued and respected
• Promotes teamwork

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements

1. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music Therapy from an accredited program.
2. Board-certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
4. Ability to adapt to various medical settings and work with diverse patient populations.
5. Strong musical skills and knowledge of a wide range of musical styles.
6. Three years of relevant experience with master’s degree in music therapy or related field, or
7. Four years of relevant experience without master’s degree in music therapy or related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience working with pediatric populations in a healthcare setting.
2. Experience in research and/or supervision.