Music Therapist

Job Type: Full-time contract (1 year) (3 days per week at a residential hospice, 2 days per week at a community hospice) with the possibility of extension

Pay: To be negotiated, depending on experience

Work Location: In-person, clients' homes, and at the community and residential hospice

About the Role

As a Music Therapist, you will provide compassionate support to individuals living with life-limiting or palliative diagnoses. You will also support their caregivers, close family members, and friends throughout the end-of-life journey and into bereavement.

Your focus will be on using evidence-based musical interventions to address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of hospice clients/residents. You will provide music therapy one-on-one and in small groups, in clients’ homes, at the community and the residential hospice; based on individual assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing program evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Provide music therapy services one-on-one and in group settings, in client homes, at both hospices, and virtually where appropriate
• Support individuals living with life-limiting illness or palliative diagnoses, their caregivers, and bereaved individuals to meet their goals and improve quality of life
• Assess clients and residents referred by the care team and determine whether music therapy is appropriate for their needs
• Recommend individual or small group sessions based on assessment and consultation with the care team
• Develop music therapy treatment plans with clear goals and objectives: individualized plans for individual clients and residents, and shared group goals for group programs
• Carry out treatment plans in scheduled sessions, independently or in collaboration with the care team, using a variety of music-based interventions such as playing instruments, singing, and songwriting
• Develop and facilitate an 8-week music therapy support group for bereaved individuals
• Encourage clients and residents to explore sound and communicate through their own musical language
• Maintain progress notes, charts, client and resident files, and required reporting
• Educate clients, caregivers, families, community members, and healthcare staff about the benefits of music therapy
• Communicate regularly with your manager, and adjust the daily schedule in consultation as needed
• Consult with and update the clinical care team and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and professionals as needed
• Provide and maintain music supplies, instruments, and equipment
• Participate in clinical team meetings and staff education programs as applicable
• Recognize clients' and residents' abilities and limitations and work within their capabilities
• Understand and support hospice philosophy and goals of care
• Respect cultural diversity and bring cultural sensitivity into practice
• Adhere to ethical standards and maintain confidentiality of clients, residents, staff, and organizational information
• Support memorial events throughout the year

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Music Therapy (or master’s degree in Music Therapy) from an accredited university
• Certified through the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (current registration in good standing), or in the process of becoming so
• Proficiency in a musical instrument, and voice
• Experience facilitating groups
• Comfortable working with individuals at end-of-life and bereaved people, and be able to initiate and facilitate discussions about end-of-life challenges
• Police check and Vulnerable Sector Screening requested within the last 3 months, and verification of educational qualifications
• Reliable vehicle and valid Class G license; travel between clients' homes, community spaces and the hospices is required
• Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting and carrying instruments and climbing stairs
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Assets: experience in a hospice, palliative care, bereavement, or similar environment, and knowledge of relevant community resources; experience with seniors or in geriatrics; experience with individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities; leadership experience
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication in English with clients, residents, families, co-workers, and external contacts, including excellent active listening
• Integrity, strong ethics, and respect for clients' and residents' rights and dignity
• Awareness of, and commitment to, including one's own and others' cultural perceptions, norms, beliefs, and values
• Observant and alert to physical and behavioural changes in clients and residents
• Self-motiv