Hospice Music Therapist

Masonicare Home Health & Hospice - New Haven, CT area

Pay-Per-Visit

*Visits are compensated based on a flat rate of $35/visit*

The Music Therapist provides direct services to hospice and palliative care patients and their families in homes and inpatient and outpatient units. Emphasis is placed on coordinating and rendering therapeutic, supportive and restorative measures, through the use of music, to meet the needs of patients and their families; promoting the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families and participation of the development of the hospice interdisciplinary team care plan.

1. Assesses hospice and palliative care patients of all ages to identify needs and provide interventions that meet individual needs. Collects data in collaboration with the patient and/family as demonstrated by the documentation on the patient record.
2. Performs the initial assessment of needs during first visit and documents those needs within appropriate time frame. Assesses the emotional well-being, physical health, social function, communication abilities and cognitive skills through musical responses. Communicates findings and problems to appropriate team members.
3. Plans and implements care for patients of all ages based on needs assessed to ensure individualized care. Identifies and documents problems, and sets developmentally appropriate goals, time frames, and interventions.
4. Provides and documents direct patient care according to the Care Plan, within set target dates, and according to all departmental policies. Designs music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs. Provides basic and specialized teaching as required in the Plan of Care and documents the response of patients and/or family in the patient's record.
5. Regularly evaluates patient's progress, takes prompt action when any change in the patient's condition is noted or reported, and terminates care when goals of management are attained for patients of all ages. Participates in treatment planning, ongoing evaluation and follow-up. Re-evaluates and documents the patient's response to music therapy. Based on patient response does appropriate modifications to the Care Plan in a timely manner. Recognizes changes in the patient's physical and mental status and informs health care professionals within a reasonable timeframe.
6. Identifies own learning needs and seeks direction/approval from supervisor to meet those needs as documented on the goal section of the performance appraisal.
7. Educates staff about the role of the Music Therapist and the use of music therapy interventions with hospice patients and families.
8. Assesses and monitors program development and evaluation of music therapy services.
9. Attends all mandatory Hospital initiated training
10. Communicates effectively and tactfully with clients, recognizing their age, cultural diversity, needs, abilities and physical condition.
11. Can be depended upon to report to work on-time, use time off appropriately, and complete annual education & medical requirements.
12. Performs other and related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum of a Bachelors degree; Masters preferred.
2. Graduate of an approved music therapy program; Board Certified as a Music Therapist.
3. A minimum of two years experience and work in the area of end of life issues preferred.
4. Maintains current Drivers License and auto insurance.
5. Possess reliable transportation

KEY COMPETENCIES

1. Accomplished in various instruments and in voice.
2. Demonstrates knowledge of composition and music theory including skills in improvising and arranging.
3. Demonstrates training in assessment, treatment planning and evaluation.
4. Demonstrates a commitment to recognized professional ethics and standards of practice.
5. Demonstrates ability to frequently concentrate on fine detail without interruption.
6. Demonstrates ability to understand and relate to theories behind several related concepts and remember multiple tasks given over a long period of time.
7. Demonstrates ability to work independently by providing own schedules, prioritizing patient visits and demonstrates flexibility in meeting the needs of patients and families.
8. Demonstrates commitment to professional growth and competency in fulfilling position requirements.
9. Demonstrates an understanding of the differences between adult and childrens reaction to grief and life threatening situations.
10. Demonstrates ability to adhere to universal precautions and infection control policies at all times.
11. Demonstrates ability to promotes the professional image by adhering to the established dress code of the hospital and wearing name badge as evidenced by supervisor's observation.

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