Music Therapist & Activities Professional

Why The Kensington Reston? Because Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own…and this extends to our team members too!

Become part of a community that’s driven by its unique core values: a Love for Seniors, Respect for Each Other, Passion for Excellence, and a Spirit to Serve.

Partner with us to find your path, grow your purpose, and expect the unexpected: deeper connections, better opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Salary: $22-25/hr

Schedule: Full-Time

Job Summary

The Music Therapist & Activities Professional is responsible for developing and leading engaging music therapy and life enrichment programs that support the physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial well-being of residents. This role provides meaningful one-on-one and group experiences designed to enrich residents’ daily lives while supporting overall wellness and connection within the community.

Working closely with the Life Enrichment and Care teams, this position helps create a vibrant, therapeutic environment for residents across Assisted Living and Memory Care neighborhoods. Weekend availability is required, with occasional evenings as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and lead one-on-one and group music therapy and life enrichment activities tailored to residents with varying levels of cognitive and physical abilities.
• Facilitate engaging programs that promote emotional expression, cognitive stimulation, socialization, movement, and overall wellness.
• Partner with Life Enrichment, Assisted Living, and Memory Care leadership to identify residents who may benefit from therapeutic programming and supportive interventions.
• Contribute to resident assessments, care planning, and progress documentation as needed.
• Prepare activity materials, maintain organized program spaces, and assist with setup and cleanup for programs and events.
• Encourage resident and family participation in activities and therapeutic sessions.
• Participate in Health Maintenance Meetings and interdisciplinary discussions regarding resident wellness and engagement.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with residents, families, and team members.
• Promote programs through community outreach, informational sessions, flyers, and resident engagement efforts.
• Attend training courses and professional development opportunities as required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage older adults in meaningful ways.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of music therapy techniques, therapeutic recreation, and dementia engagement approaches preferred.
• Ability to adapt programs to meet varying resident needs and abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Compassion, patience, flexibility, and emotional maturity when supporting residents and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy or related field preferred.
• Board Certification in Music Therapy (MT-BC) preferred.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in senior living, memory care, therapeutic recreation, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with older adults and individuals with dementia strongly preferred.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and occasional evenings.
• Must maintain a professional appearance in accordance with community standards.
• Must pass all required health screenings and background checks per Virginia state requirements.

Mental and Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the community for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to push resident equipment or mobility devices when necessary.
• May be required to assist residents during emergency situations.
• Ability to remain calm, compassionate, and positive in stressful situations.