Hospice Music Therapist

SUMMARY

Utilizes music therapy interventions to address emotional, spiritual, physical, and cognitive goals with hospice and palliative care patients and their families.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

• Provide music therapy services to hospice and palliative care patients and their families, in homes, facilities, and inpatient units as directed.
• Consult with referring team and other Integrative Therapists about patient referrals.
• Participate in care conferences as appropriate.
• Conduct assessments and provide interventions that meet individual needs.
• Promptly complete and maintain all required records and reports.
• Educate hospice staff about the role of the Music Therapist and the use of music interventions with hospice and palliative care patients/families.
• Continual program development and evaluation of music therapy services.
• Assess music therapy equipment including inventory, maintenance, and use of equipment.
• Assist with facilitating support groups upon request.
• Provide bereavement follow-up to family members when determined appropriate by team members involved.
• Assist with orientation of new employees and volunteers.
• Assist with memorial services upon request.
• Be available for emergency situations.
• Be flexible in meeting patient/family needs that require working evenings and weekends.
• Follow appropriate infection control policies.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

• Consult with team members on the use of music to meet individual patient/family needs.
• Development and supervision of internship program and interns in Music Therapy.
• Conduct in-service programs and assist with outside public relations activities as requested.
• Participate in agency committees as requested.
• Participate in the on-call rotation for counseling services for weekends and holidays.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESN/A QUALIFICATIONS

(EDUCATION and/or

EXPERIENCE

)

• Soothing and pleasant singing voice
• Proficient on an accompanying instrument
• Proficient in utilizing music therapy techniques to assist the patient and family with the following: 1.

Pain, discomfort; 2. Anxiety, restlessness, respiratory difficulties, insomnia; 3. Agitation 4. Depression, emotional outlet; 5. Communication impairment 6. Lack of support system, isolation; 7. Difficulty expressing feelings or interacting with others; 8. Need for spiritual expression; and 9. Anticipatory grief, multiple losses.

• Understanding of the difference between adult's and children's reaction to grief and life-threatening situations.
• Ability to create a safe environment and mode of expression through music.
• Must be able to drive and have a valid driver's license, car available, and insurance coverage as required by state regulations.