Music Therapist - BIRCH Hospital

Job Summary:

The Music Therapist provides therapeutic services to children and adolescents in the inpatient hospital setting, including those served by the long-term stabilization BIRCH program. Using evidence-based music therapy interventions, the therapist supports patients' emotional regulation, communication, self-expression and social engagement. The Music Therapist collaborates closely with the multidisciplinary treatment team to integrate music therapy into individualized treatment plans and promote trauma-informed, person-centered care.

Essential Functions:

Develop and implement structured individual and group music therapy sessions based on evidence-based approaches and individualized treatment goals. Utilize music-based interventions such as songwriting, active music-making, improvisation, lyric analysis and music-assisted relaxation to: Reduce agitation, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Improve emotional regulation and social skills. Enhance communication, self-esteem and identity formation. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team to assess patients' needs and document progress toward goals. Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning meetings and case consultations, particularly for patients in the BIRCH program. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of music therapy sessions and clinical observations in the electronic health record (EHR). Integrate trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices that promote safety, empowerment and resilience. Participate in department and hospital-wide training, supervision and quality improvement efforts. Provide consultation and in-service education to staff regarding music therapy principles and benefits. Contribute to a therapeutic milieu through collaboration with recreational therapy, social services and nursing staff. Maintain safe and appropriate use and storage of musical instruments and materials. Comply with all hospital policies, CARF standards and HIPAA confidentiality requirements.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Music Therapy from an AMTA-approved program. Board Certification as a Music Therapist (MT-BC) through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) required. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCA/LPCC), Clinical Social Worker (CSW/LCSW) or equivalent license preferred but not required. Must meet qualifications for behavioral health professionals in accordance with Kentucky Medicaid, CMS and CARF-accredited inpatient psychiatric standards. At least one (1) year of music therapy experience in a behavioral health or child/adolescent mental health setting strongly preferred. Experience working with youth with high acuity needs, complex trauma, emotional/behavioral disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions (including autism and intellectual disability) preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

Proficiency in a variety of musical instruments (e.g., guitar, piano, percussion, voice) and adaptability to group and individual interventions. Deep understanding of music therapy's clinical applications within psychiatric treatment settings. Ability to build therapeutic rapport with children and adolescents with diverse emotional and cognitive needs. Strong documentation, communication and organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.