SENIOR MUSIC THERAPIST

Code: 03480 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under general supervision of a physician and/or higher level therapist, uses voice as well as traditional and non-traditional instruments and music as a means of accomplishing treatment goals; exercises independent judgement to determine goals and objectives, and plans musical activities and experiences to aide in the restoration, maintenance and improvement of mentally and physically disabled patients; may supervise the work of Therapist and supportive staff, and participate in the clinical training of student therapists; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Evaluates how patients may be helped through a music therapy program.
• Plans and conducts suitable programs of music activities.
• Teaches traditional and non-traditional instruments using professional music therapy principles and practices.
• Cooperates with other health care professionals to discuss patient's goals and progress in order to coordinate treatment activities.
• Reviews treatment plans for technical adequacy and appropriateness.
• Reviews written reports covering evaluations, progress and termination of treatment in order to assure conformance with medical objectives and adherence to professional standards and practices.
• Participates in the multi-disciplinary assessment team sessions to analyze individual patient's problems and projects the prescribed treatment aims.
• Distributes the workload among therapist, assistant aides, and volunteers in accordance with established procedures.
• Provides assignments and instruction to assigned employees.
• Participates in the clinical training of student therapists.
• May supervise the work activities of Therapist and supportive staff in specific therapeutic techniques in order to assure understanding therapeutic techniques and objectives.
• Continually evaluates the patient's progress or response to treatment and modifies the treatment plan to accomplish treatment objectives.
• Compiles and maintains records and reports.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from a four (4) year course at an accredited college or university with a major course of study in music therapy, including or supplemented by a (6) six month internship or clinical training in music therapy.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in providing music therapy treatment to individuals.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of music therapy principles, procedures and techniques used in the rehabilitation of patients.
• Knowledge of strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion instruments, and vocal group training.
• Knowledge of illness and disability of special populations as the physically ill and physically challenged and the use of music therapy programs utilized with these populations.
• Knowledge of activity modification techniques used to adapt the practices and procedures of music therapy to the specific needs of individuals and groups of patients.
• Knowledge of procedures used to formulate individual and group diagnostic assessments, prescriptions, and treatment plans for patients.
• Knowledge of recording and reporting patients treatment and rehabilitation information, both in single therapy and multi- disciplinary treatment settings.
• Ability to plan activities, directing musical programs and instructing patients.
• Ability to play an instrument, performs solo, play by ear, train vocal groups, and train instrumental groups or individual patients.
• Ability to observe, assess, record and report patient behavior and relate it to patient's progress in therapy program.
• Ability to give provide assignments and instructions to assigned employees.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement, and manage a variety of therapeutic music services within the framework of a medical team approach to patients care, physiotherapy and psychotherapy treatment and rehabilitation.
• Ability to communicate with and motivate patients of widely varying backgrounds, interests and abilities.
• Ability to orally express oneself clearly and concisely imparting information, answering questions, explaining activities and/or directives in a manner appropriate for listeners.
• Ability to write reports.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other involved in the work of the unit.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.