Music Therapist

Job Title: Music Therapist

Location: Multiple
FLSA Classification: Salary Exempt

Reports To: Related Services Coordinator

Summary

The Music Therapist provides individualized and group music therapy services to students with a wide range of educational, developmental, emotional, behavioral, physical, and communication needs. This position supports student growth through evidence-based music interventions designed to address goals related to communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, sensory regulation, academic engagement, and functional independence.

The Music Therapist collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support students with disabilities ranging from mild/moderate to moderate/intensive needs across various educational settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned.)

Direct Student Services

• Provide individual and small-group music therapy services to students in accordance with individualized goals, educational plans, and program needs.
• Assess student strengths, needs, and responsiveness to music-based interventions.
• Develop and implement therapeutic music activities targeting communication, social skills, emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor development, attention, and cognitive skills.
• Adapt music therapy interventions to meet the unique needs of students with varying disabilities, developmental levels, and learning styles.
• Utilize instruments, singing, movement, songwriting, improvisation, listening activities, and technology-based music interventions.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Collaborate with intervention specialists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, counselors, teachers, and families to support student goals.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and planning meetings as needed.
• Consult with educational staff on strategies to support student engagement, sensory regulation, and behavior through music-based approaches.
• Provide recommendations for classroom accommodations or therapeutic supports as appropriate.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate service records, therapy notes, progress monitoring data, and required documentation.
• Prepare reports regarding student progress, participation, and outcomes.
• Support documentation related to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Evaluation Team Reports (ETRs), Section 504 plans, or other educational documentation as applicable.
• Ensure compliance with district policies, state regulations, professional ethics, and confidentiality standards.

Program Support

• Maintain music therapy materials, instruments, adaptive equipment, and supplies.
• Support the development and implementation of music therapy programming aligned with district and student needs.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to maintain licensure, certification, and best practices in music therapy and special education.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music Therapy from an accredited program is required.
• Board Certification as a Music Therapist (MT-BC) required.
• Valid state licensure, registration, or credentialing as required by state law.
• Ohio Department of Education credential/license preferred, if applicable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of music therapy principles, special education practices, child development, and disability supports.
• Experience working with students with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, emotional/behavioral disorders, multiple disabilities, and physical impairments.
• Ability to modify interventions for students with mild/moderate to moderate/intensive disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage schedules across multiple sites/classrooms.
• Proficiency in documentation, progress monitoring, and data collection.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, transport, and set up musical instruments and therapy materials.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and move throughout school environments.
• Ability to lead movement-based music activities and physically engage with students as appropriate.

Work Environment

• School buildings, classrooms, therapy spaces, sensory rooms, and community-based educational settings.
• Travel between multiple district or program locations may be required.