Music Therapist

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Job Summary

The music therapist plans and implements a comprehensive music therapy assessment, treatment, and evaluation plan inclusive of interventions under the Scope of Practice of the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). These interventions can include (but are not limited to) those that fall under the receptive, re-creative, improvisatory and composition domains. Music therapy services aim to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional and psychosocial well-being of individuals, groups, and families at Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in support of the mission and goals of the Department of Child and Family Life. Working under the direction of the Sophie's Place Studio Manager, who holds the MT-BC credential, and in accordance with the medical orders of referring physicians and interdisciplinary team care plans, the music therapist chooses materials and interventions appropriate to their patients? individual needs and designs sessions to achieve therapeutic goals using a strengths-based approach.

This position will be dedicated to the Nyman Family Unit for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellness 32 hours/week. The Nyman Unit is a 16-bed inpatient psychiatric unit in C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. The unit is comprised of a 13-bed general bed wing and a 3-bed subunit for youth with significant behavioral or developmental needs, offering inpatient psychiatric care for a variety of childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders. Additionally, 8 hours/week will be dedicated to assisting with music therapy coverage for other clinical areas at Mott and supporting our Sophie's Place music therapy clinical space. 

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

  • Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
  • 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

  • Demonstrate proficiency in all music therapy clinical competencies and standards of clinical practice as defined by the American Music Therapy Association.
  • Plan, implement, evaluate, prioritize and modify music therapy treatment plan to meet biopsychosocial needs of patient, based on assessment, patient interests, developmental level, objectives of therapy, and medical orders using a strengths-based approach. Facilitate broad ranges of expression through non-verbal means, as well as verbal dialogue.
  • Support patients and families in coping with stresses associated with health care experiences through the development of therapeutic and supportive relationships.
  • Advocate for patient and family-centered care through communication, involvement, and empowerment of patients and family members. 
  • Document treatment plans/outcomes for patients within the electronic medical record as required by department guidelines and professional standards. 
  • Provide a physically and emotionally safe, therapeutic, and healing environment for patients, families, and staff. Participate in patient-related programming and events. 
  • Monitor physical and mental state of patients and assist with emotional regulation. Provide patient supervision and implement therapeutic interventions to maintain a safe and supportive milieu.
  • Actively participate as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, integrating goals and plans to promote optimal patient care that is family-centered, developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and psychosocially sound. Regularly attend and participate in medical, multidisciplinary, and psychosocial team meetings. Support interdisciplinary treatment model and provide coverage for interdisciplinary team members when needed.
  • Co-treat and refer patients and families to multidisciplinary services and community resources as needed.
  • Maintain and order musical instruments, supplies, and equipment as needed.
  • Develop resources and/or programs to support clinical unit or patient population.
  • Assist with the orientation of new staff.  
  • Provide clinical training and supervision for music therapy practicum students and interns as assigned.
  • Orient and supervise volunteers and participate in education for Michigan Medicine and visiting students.
  • Develop and facilitate ongoing formal and informal education and orientation for unit and multidisciplinary team on availability and provision of music therapy. 
  • Remain abreast of current developments in the music therapy profession and diagnoses relevant to assigned unit(s) and participate in professional development to enhance clinical knowledge and skills. Professional involvement with the American Music Therapy Association is highly encouraged. 
  • Act as a change agent and advance care through the development and introduction of new clinical information, programs and technology. Participate in research or quality improvement opportunities when applicable. 
  • Seek ways to improve processes and advance music therapy through active participation and advocating in interdisciplinary team meetings and committees. 
  • Work with C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Development department, community and donors to secure and maintain philanthropic support for music therapy and Sophie's Place. Serve as a financial steward by implementing cost effective programming.
  • Represent Child and Family Life, music therapy, and Nyman Unit and manage clinical responsibilities on evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned. 
  • Actively participate in monthly reflective practice and committee meetings (i.e., departmental, multidisciplinary).
  • Exemplify Michigan Medicine's values related to caring, inclusion, integrity, innovation, and teamwork.
  • Adhere to Child and Family Life team norms.
  • Engage in department mentorship program. Additional mentorship is encouraged.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
    General supervision is received from the Music Therapy and Sophie's Place Studio Manager (MT-BC).  
    SUPERVISION EXCERCISED:
    Functional supervision may be exercised over students, interns, and volunteers. 
     

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music Therapy from an accredited academic program allowing for credentialing as a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). 
  • Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) issued by Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) required within one year of hire. 
  • Proficiency on voice, guitar, piano, drum set, ukulele, electric bass guitar, and hand drums. 
  • Strong interpersonal communication, teamwork, and listening skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to problem solve and make clinical decisions with minimal supervision and independently when needed. 
  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, Garageband and iMovie software applications, and electronic medical record.

Desired Qualifications*

  • American Music Therapist Association (AMTA) and Michigan Music Therapy Association (MMT) membership preferred.
  • Two (2) years of directly related experience working with patients in individual, group, and family-based interventions. 
  • Experience with recording and music technology.
  • Experience working in an acute care Mental Health Setting, inpatient psychiatric program preferred.
  • Experience in facilitation of cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy interventions.
  • Experience in crisis prevention interventions.
  • Experience in applied behavior analysis
     

Work Schedule

1 FTE (40-hour appointment), hours TBD
Sunday-Wednesday: dedicated to Nyman Unit.
Thursday: dedicated to providing music therapy support for other inpatients and outpatients throughout C.S. Mott Children's Hospital within the Child and Family Life Department.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.