Description
Job Title: Music Therapist
Location: Multiple
FLSA Classification: Salary Exempt
Reports To: Related Services Coordinator
Summary
The Music Therapist provides individualized and group music therapy services to students with a wide range of educational, developmental, emotional, behavioral, physical, and communication needs. This position supports student growth through evidence-based music interventions designed to address goals related to communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, sensory regulation, academic engagement, and functional independence.
The Music Therapist collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support students with disabilities ranging from mild/moderate to moderate/intensive needs across various educational settings.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned.)
Direct Student Services
- Provide individual and small-group music therapy services to students in accordance with individualized goals, educational plans, and program needs.
- Assess student strengths, needs, and responsiveness to music-based interventions.
- Develop and implement therapeutic music activities targeting communication, social skills, emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor development, attention, and cognitive skills.
- Adapt music therapy interventions to meet the unique needs of students with varying disabilities, developmental levels, and learning styles.
- Utilize instruments, singing, movement, songwriting, improvisation, listening activities, and technology-based music interventions.
Collaboration & Consultation
- Collaborate with intervention specialists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, counselors, teachers, and families to support student goals.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and planning meetings as needed.
- Consult with educational staff on strategies to support student engagement, sensory regulation, and behavior through music-based approaches.
- Provide recommendations for classroom accommodations or therapeutic supports as appropriate.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate service records, therapy notes, progress monitoring data, and required documentation.
- Prepare reports regarding student progress, participation, and outcomes.
- Support documentation related to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Evaluation Team Reports (ETRs), Section 504 plans, or other educational documentation as applicable.
- Ensure compliance with district policies, state regulations, professional ethics, and confidentiality standards.
Program Support
- Maintain music therapy materials, instruments, adaptive equipment, and supplies.
- Support the development and implementation of music therapy programming aligned with district and student needs.
- Participate in ongoing professional development to maintain licensure, certification, and best practices in music therapy and special education.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music Therapy from an accredited program is required.
- Board Certification as a Music Therapist (MT-BC) required.
- Valid state licensure, registration, or credentialing as required by state law.
- Ohio Department of Education credential/license preferred, if applicable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of music therapy principles, special education practices, child development, and disability supports.
- Experience working with students with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, emotional/behavioral disorders, multiple disabilities, and physical impairments.
- Ability to modify interventions for students with mild/moderate to moderate/intensive disabilities.
- Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage schedules across multiple sites/classrooms.
- Proficiency in documentation, progress monitoring, and data collection.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift, transport, and set up musical instruments and therapy materials.
- Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and move throughout school environments.
- Ability to lead movement-based music activities and physically engage with students as appropriate.
Work Environment
- School buildings, classrooms, therapy spaces, sensory rooms, and community-based educational settings.
- Travel between multiple district or program locations may be required.