Assisted Living, Best Practices, Communication Skills, Dementia, Documentation, Establish Priorities, Geriatrics, Health Plan, Interpersonal Skills, Music, Music Therapy, Needs Assessment, Nursing, Program Evaluation, Record Keeping, Regulations, Team Player, Training/Teaching
Essential Functions/Duties/Responsibilities:
- Assess residents to determine music therapy needs, abilities, and goals.
- Design and implement individualized and group music therapy programs for residents across independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, long term/short term care, and memory care.
- Utilize various music therapy techniques including singing, instrument playing, music listening, songwriting, improvisation, movement to music, and guided imagery.
- Partner with caregivers, nursing staff, and Activities team members to integrate music into care plans and daily routines.
- Document assessments, progress notes, and outcomes in accordance with community policies and regulatory standards.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and adapt sessions to ensure engagement and benefit for each participant.
- Provide education and support to staff and families on the benefits of music therapy and how to incorporate music into residents' lives.
- Coordinate with visiting performers, volunteers, or community music organizations for enrichment programming.
- Participate in care team meetings as needed.
- Maintain instruments and supplies in clean and working order.
- Stay current on research, trends, and best practices in geriatric music therapy.
Required Skills/Abilities/Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of music therapy principles, methods, and techniques, particularly for older adults and those living with dementia.
- Excellent musical proficiency in voice and/or at least one accompanying instrument (e.g., piano, guitar).
- Ability to connect with and engage older adults with compassion, creativity, and patience.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with team members, residents, and families.
- Flexibility and creativity in designing adaptive, meaningful sessions for diverse functional abilities.
- Ability to manage time efficiently, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain accurate records.
- High level of emotional intelligence and sensitivity to residents' emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs.
- Comfort with using technology for documentation, communication, and presentation.
- Ability to lift, carry, or move equipment and assist residents as needed in a therapeutic setting.