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

Competencies

• 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-motivated, with strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to prioritize competing tasks with minimal supervision
• Problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability
• Patient, reliable, and cheerful, with good attendance
• Respectful, hardworking team player
• Active interest in continuing education

What We Offer

• Group benefits package (not applicable to community hospice)
• Pension plan option (not applicable to community hospice)
• Comprehensive orientation to set you up for success
• Ongoing opportunities to grow your skills and take on specialized roles, including support for continuing education
• A supportive work environment

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, colour, ancestry, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, or other non-job-related criteria. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, applicants who require accommodation during the recruitment process should let us know so arrangements can be made. We are committed to providing our services in ways that respect the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Extended health care

Experience:

• Hospice palliative care: 1 year (preferred)

Language:

• English (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• MTA certification (preferred)
• Work Location: In person