Music Therapist

Board Certified Music Therapist

Giant Steps day school is looking to hire a Board Certified Music Therapist that is passionate about working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Qualities of a successful candidate include interest in and/or experience working with autism, flexibility, positive energy, willingness to collaborate, as well as the ability to utilize music and music interventions to address non-musical goals in areas such as academic, social-emotional, communication, physical, vocational and life skills.

The music therapist will work with an interdisciplinary team including Special Education Teachers, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts in developing student-specific programming and individualized IEP goals. The music therapist will also have opportunities for mentorship and collaboration among a large team of music therapists building-wide. The candidate must be willing to complete the Neurologic Music Therapy training upon hiring. This is a great opportunity for a music therapist looking for a fast-paced, high-energy, collaborative experience in which to apply music and its benefits to improve the quality of life for autistic students.

The Music Therapist is responsible for providing comprehensive music therapy services for students with autism spectrum disorders. The Music Therapist functions as a member of the educational and therapeutic team. Duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide treatment, including program planning, consultation, and education to the student and family in collaboration with the therapeutic team
• Collaborate with team members, parents, district personnel, and others involved in the education and treatment of the student
• Maintain professional documentation, including but not limited to performance data, progress summaries, and evaluations
• Maintain IEP goals, reports, and re-evaluations in collaboration with therapeutic team
• Participate in direct supervision of students and assist with activities of daily living as necessary
• Work with Program Assistants and staff to model strategies, discuss student progress, and assess student needs
• Participate in team meetings and professional development activities
• Comply with professional code of ethics and school policies
• Adhere to company policies and procedures

The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all inclusive. Other duties may be assigned by supervisors.

Knowledge and skills include:

• Ability to effectively communicate assessment results, evaluations, and proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by team members, the district, and parents
• Knowledge of autism spectrum disorders
• Ability to treat students with autism spectrum disorders
• Familiarity with relevant music therapy techniques, theories, and strategies that benefit programming for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of facilities and equipment
• Knowledge of sensory and behavioral strategies
• Knowledge of child development theory
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements
• Knowledge of and comfort using technology, including but not limited to computers, iPads, Smart Projectors, Boardmaker, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs
• Strong written and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills

Minimum job requirements include:

• Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy; Master's Degree preferred
• Board certification with the Certification Board of Music Therapists
• Neurologic Music Therapy training completed before or within 2 months of date of hire

The position is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Salary is commensurate with level of education and experience. The Music Therapist follows the Day School Staff calendar.

Conditions of employment include:

• Pre-employment physical, drug screening, and criminal background check
• Passing PCM training is a requirement of this position

Working conditions and physical effort include:

• Work is typically performed indoors within the school facility
• Moderate physical movement is required for the job
• Moderate exposure to physical risk is anticipated
• The noise level in this work environment varies from quiet to very loud
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continually required to stand, walk, sit, run, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, balance, crouch, talk, hear, smell, and see
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds

An annual performance review will be conducted each spring by the Lead Music Therapist or Program Coordinator.

Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage to all full time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours/week.

Giant Steps adheres to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.