Music Therapist

CounselorFull-Time

Listed compensation

Starting at $58K

The week · per this posting

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 3mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

Music Therapist

Transform Lives Through Connection and Care

At Grafton, we’re guided by a shared purpose: empowering individuals with complex needs to heal and grow. As a Therapist, your meaningful impact lies in every connection you make—helping each person find strength, resilience, and hope.

You’ll work in a culture of teamwork and collaboration, alongside colleagues who share your passion for making a difference. And because we care for you so you can care for others, we support your growth through professional development, supervision, and a community of care.

Join us — and experience the deep fulfillment of knowing your work truly makes a difference!

Be part of a team that leads with Heart & GRIT, the Grafton Way!

Under general supervision, plans and implements music therapy and instruction for Grafton students at varying locations. Duties include assessing student needs, interests and aptitudes and developing curriculum, therapy plans and lesson plans pertaining to music.

Programs and services serve to provide students with a general knowledge of music; enrich appreciation for music and attain IEP related goals and objectives through the incorporation of music in lesson plans and activities. Reports to the Clinical Administrator and/or Principal/Assistant Principal.

Essential Job Functions

  • Provides music therapy, programs and services for students at varying Grafton sites.  Assesses student interests, aptitudes and needs pertaining to music therapy and develops curriculum, therapy plans and/or musical activities.
  • Writes lesson plans for assigned programs and students.  Develops teaching strategies to successfully incorporate music activities to support each students IEP and to facilitate the student's achievement of IEP goals and objectives.
  • Collects and records IEP and progress related data obtained from teaching and therapy sessions.  Evaluates students achievements and progress pertaining to music therapy and lessons; and documents in quarterly progress reports, discharge summaries and credit reviews.
  • Consults with and assists therapists with lesson plans and activities for assigned students as needed.
  • Consults with supervisors, academic peers and other Grafton staff regarding resource center and student programs, progress and needs.  Ensures compatibility of instructional formats and management procedures for each student in concert with his treatment team and overall treatment needs.
  • Identifies and obtains necessary supplies and equipment.
  • Implements crisis intervention strategies as needed.  Documents and reports all incidents in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Responds to inquiries from agencies, parents and/or guardians regarding student progress, goals, lessons, etc.
  • Provides demonstrations and presentations as requested.
  • Attends conferences and workshops to keep abreast of professional trends, developments and techniques.
  • Ensures the classroom is maintained, clean and safe.
  • Assists in transitioning students to and from the music classroom.
  • Performs other work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires a Bachelor's degree in music therapy or a related field.
  • Prefer 1 year of experience planning and implementing music activities and lessons; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • Board of Music Therapists Certification preferred, but not required, which involves completion of a six month internship at an accredited institution.
  • Requires a valid driver’s license.

Compensation

  • Starting at $58,156.80 up to $76,564.80 commensurate with experience and

qualifications

Employee Benefits

Caring for You, So You can Care for Others

  • Free meals during shift, when working in the schools and residences
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Flexible Spending, Dependent Care FSA & Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - 5 free sessions per family member
  • Employer-Paid Life Insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Work & Life Harmony: Flexible scheduling and resources to help you thrive at work and at home.

  • Generous Paid Time Off plan
  • Legal services and identity theft protection plan
  • Travel assistance
  • Virtual exercise & coaching
  • FREE Will preparation services
  • Retirement Plan with employer match - up to $2,500 annually
  • Employee Discounts, including:

Stronger Together: Supporting Your Growth & Success

  • Paid Career Development – Earn while becoming certified in CPR, Ukeru, Mandt, and more!
  • Education Assistance - up to $5,250 annually
  • Continuing Education Opportunities
  • Federal Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility - As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
  • Team culture built on support, collaboration, and growth
  • Referral Bonuses – earn a $1,000 bonus for bringing new talent to Grafton!

If you require a reasonable accommodation or need assistance with the application or interview process please contact us at hr@grafton.org [hr@grafton.org]

Grafton is an equal employment opportunity employer and tobacco-free workplace.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and implement music therapy and instruction for students to help them achieve IEP goals and objectives. Responsibilities include assessing student needs, developing curricula, and documenting progress through quarterly reports.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree

Key Skills

Curriculum DevelopmentIEP Goal TrackingStudent AssessmentLesson PlanningData CollectionClinical DocumentationInstructional Strategy

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Music Therapist at Grafton Integrated Health Network a 7.2 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 25% in Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) — ranked against 7,885 active Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings on WeekdayDoc.

Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 44% are remote, 32% have no call, 60% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Virginia is 101.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$67k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $67k in an average-cost state. 61.1% of Virginia clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

40 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution40 jobs · 32 employers

17
<$85k
6
$85k-100k
9
$100k-115k
8
$115k-130k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks37 jobs · 32 employers

401k / retirement match
95% this job
CME allowance
46% this job
Sign-on bonus
24%
Loan repayment
24% this job
PSLF eligible
11% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Behavioral Health Therapist 2 Mental Health Programs

Inova · Fairfax, Virginia

$80k-$130k
#2

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT, LPC, LCSW)

LifeStance Health · Madison, Wisconsin

$92k-$125k
#3

Remote Licensed Talk Therapist - Fee For Service

$124k
#4

Licensed Talk Therapist - Fee For Service

$124k
+ 38 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.3this job 7.2
Better work-life than 80% of Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 7,885 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Richmond

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$342k≈ 5.9× annual pay
Typical market rent
$1,648/mo≈ 34% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
22 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
97.9
State income tax
Up to 5.8%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Richmond, VA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Grafton Integrated Health Network logo

About Grafton Integrated Health Network

Mental Health Care
Winchester, VA
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

Free meals during shift
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Flexible Spending Account
Health Savings Account
Employee Assistance Program
Life insurance