Status: Actively Hiring

Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 4:30 PM CST

JOB SUMMARY

• Contract (2 classes/week in-person and online)
• 3 Month term position with the possibility of extension
• Wage: $55.00/class

The U-Tunes – Music Therapist will be responsible for the planning, implementing and evaluating a group music therapy program that is appropriate to the social, emotional, spiritual, physical and cognitive needs of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Participation in educational activities, staff meetings and other duties as required. To be effective in this role you need to multitask by playing music, interacting with members, and making assessments simultaneously.

Top candidates will be meticulous, compassionate, and have strong problem-solving skills.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

U-Tunes is a singing group led by a Music Therapist, offering individuals living with Parkinson’s disease the opportunity to engage in vocal exercises and singing with the hope of strengthening their voices and reducing the risk of Parkinson’s complications. The program focuses on movement, speech, communication, cognition, coordination, connection, and general well-being. Spouses or care partners are welcome to join, offering the chance to meaningfully engage in a healthy, fun activity with a loved one living with PD.

The Music Therapist leading the group uses voice techniques and singing as a tool to provide therapeutic intervention. U-Tunes program interventions include warm-up activities, physical stretching, vocal warm-up activities, singing involving cognitive exercises, and the use of basic percussion instruments. Other musical activities include therapeutic instrument/percussion play, movement to music, music reminiscence and discussion, song-writing, and other singing/movement activities which target functioning and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Classes would take place twice per week, once in-person and once online, for one-hour sessions on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM and Thursdays at 3:00 PM.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Create and foster therapeutic relationships and assess member needs
2. Plan, facilitate, and evaluate appropriate music sessions
3. Exploring musical styles and sounds with members through singing, percussion, using different instruments and improvisation
4. Able to sing and play various instruments.
5. Update member notes as required
6. Be independent, organized and be able to work as part of a team.
7. Performs other duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Parkinson’s disease and previous experience working with neurological conditions and seniors is a significant asset
• Excellent communication and musical skills.
• Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to ascertain whether individuals qualify for music therapy.
• Ability to exercise independence of judgment and initiative and to adapt to changing priorities.
• Monitoring clients during musical interventions and measuring the effectiveness of sessions.
• Designing musical interventions based on therapeutic goals to improve clients’ psychological, physical, and social health.
• Providing music therapy sessions
• Inviting clients to interact by encouraging them to sing and dance
• Maintaining musical instruments
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Detail-oriented and efficient

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree or Graduate Certificate in Music Therapy (internship completed)
• Accredited with the Canadian Association of Music Therapy or must have this file in process.
• Trauma-informed or neurological condition certification or experience considered an asset
• Minimum 2 years’ of group facilitation experience
• Possession of a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certification with CPR “B” or “C” and AED.
• Valid Driver’s License with access to private transportation.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

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