Music Therapist - Per Diem

Job Profile Summary 

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical or cognitive impairment.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Audio/Speech Therapy related duties: Evaluates patients and uses sound therapy to improve physical and mental conditions. Responsibilities also include improving physical and mental conditions through treating a variety of speech disorders and communication difficulties.   A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs.  The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education.  An entry level role that applies broad theoretical job knowledge typically obtained through advanced education.  May require the following proficiency:  work is closely supervised, problems faced are not typically difficult or complex, and explains facts, policies and practices related to job area.

Hours: Per Diem

Job Overview 

This position uses clinical and evidenced-based music interventions to accomplish individualized and/or group goals within a therapeutic relationship with assigned inpatients (neonatal, pediatric, psychiatric). Provides a unique variety of sound/music experiences in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner to effect changes in a patient’s behavior and facilitate development of his/her communication, social/emotional, sensori-motor, and/or cognitive skills.  Works collaboratively with health care professionals in attending to the holistic needs of pediatric patients and families.  

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy.  

2. CBMT Board Certified Music Therapist 

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Master’s degree in Music Therapy.  

2. Three (3) years of experience in a healthcare setting.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1. Conducts assessments and administers sound/music therapy interventions to consulted pediatric inpatients and adult psychiatric inpatients according to American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) scope of practice and competencies and applies the therapy process in pediatric and adult sessions. 

2. Leads one-on-one and group music therapy sessions.   

3. Establishes effective relationships with patients ranging in age from neonates through adolescence and for adult patients with extenuating psychiatric health care needs.   

4. Serves as an integral member of the team. Participates in team and professional meetings and provides assessments based on music/sound interventions.  

5. Participates in daily patient rounds and contributes to plan of care when indicated.  

6. Serves as an instructor for Music Therapy professional education, supervision and teaching activities; supervises or trains student interns, house staff, nurses, medical students, and volunteers as required. 

7. Continually assesses and improves his/her own Music Therapy practice and program. Conducts quality improvement activities and research regarding service delivery and effectiveness of interventions. 

8. Conducts or participates in professional organizations, teaching, public presentations, seminars and workshops.  

9. Conducts effective research studies.  

10. Attends department meetings and activities and provides staff in-services and community presentations.  

11. Maintains the safe and efficient operation of the Music Therapy Program by monitoring equipment sanitation and overall safety.  

12. Identifies needs and opportunities and makes recommendations for change.   

13. Effective in creating opportunities for fundraising and working with potential donors in support of the program. 

14. Utilizes computer charting software and documents on consulted patients in the medical record.  

15. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and/or state laws, regulations, and/or agency rules, standards and guidelines, etc. 

16. Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working group’s achievement of goals, and to foster a positive work environment. 

Physical Requirements:  

1. Professional office environment with typical office requirements such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc. 

2. This is largely a sedentary role, which involves sitting most of the time, but may involve movements such as walking, standing, reaching, ascending / descending stairs and operate office equipment. 

3. Frequently required to speak, hear, communicate and exchange information. 

4. Able to see and read computers displays, read fine print, and/or normal type size print and distinguish letters, numbers and symbols. 

5. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

Skills & Abilities: 

1. Knowledge of and experience serving pediatric and adult patients in a healthcare setting in relation to health (including mental health), illness, and disability. 

2. Knowledge of current music therapy theory and practice, and the ability to implement one on one and/or group sessions with neonates through adulthood. Understanding of organizational theory and practice in large systems and the knowledge of social and health care policies and systems. 

3. High degree of diagnostic, treatment, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. 

4. Analytical skills required assessing patient needs, to develop associated treatment modalities and to provide effective support through the utilization of music. 

5. Computer skills and knowledge of general office programs, spreadsheet programs, database programs, and presentation programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint). 

At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day.

The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals.

Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth—one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.

Pay Range:

based on full-time equivalent