Music Therapist

Job DetailsJob Location: DCH Main - Denver, CO 80220Education Level: Bachelors DegreeSalary Range: $31.00 - $34.00 HourlySummary of Position: The Music Therapist provides developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed music therapy services to children and adolescents receiving psychiatric residential treatment.

The therapist uses evidence-based music interventions to support emotional regulation, self-expression, coping skills, communication, social development, behavioral stabilization, and relationship building.

Working as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team, collaborating with families, therapists, psychiatrists, nursing staff, educators, direct-care staff, and other treatment providers.

Services may include individual, group, and family-focused interventions designed to address treatment-plan goals and the unique needs of children and families impacted by trauma, behavioral health concerns, attachment disruptions, and other adverse experiences.

Essential Job Duties: Provide individual, group, and family music therapy consistent with each client’s treatment plan and identify clinical needs. Complete music therapy assessments and identify clinical goals, interventions, and outcomes.

Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized music therapy treatment plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary treatment team. Utilize music-based interventions to facilitate safe emotional expression and processing while maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries.

Incorporate songwriting, lyric discussion, improvisation, music listening, movement, rhythm-based activities, relaxation techniques, and other appropriate clinical interventions.

Provide interventions for children with varying developmental abilities, behavioral presentations, cognitive abilities, cultural backgrounds, and levels of musical experience. Coordinate care with therapists and other treatment providers.

Maintain timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation, including assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries. Maintain a safe therapeutic environment in accordance with facility policies. Maintain professional boundaries and protect client privacy and dignity.

Maintain and safely manage music therapy instruments, equipment, supplies, and therapeutic materials. Provide annual in-service presentations and education for staff around music therapy.

Qualifications

The position requires a strong understanding of trauma-informed care, cultural humility, child and adolescent development, therapeutic boundaries, and the use of music as a clinical intervention rather than solely as recreation or entertainment.

The successful candidate will have: Bachelor's degree in music therapy from an accredited program.

MT-BC credential required A minimum of three years' experience working with children and/or adolescents preferred Experience in behavioral health, psychiatric residential treatment, trauma-informed care, foster care, community mental health, or related settings. Knowledge of child and adolescent development.

Knowledge of trauma-informed and strength-based approaches to treatment. Demonstrated ability to establish therapeutic relationships while maintaining proper professional boundaries. Strong clinical judgment, communication, documentation, organization, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. Ability to adapt music therapy interventions to clients with diverse developmental, behavioral, emotional, cultural, and musical needs.

Ability to remain calm, professional, and therapeutic focused during periods of client distress or behavioral escalation. Commitment to providing culturally responsive, inclusive, and nonjudgmental care. Successful completion of required background checks, employment screenings, and facility-required training.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment: Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain certification within the organization's required time limit. Work is performed primarily in a psychiatric residential treatment setting serving children and adolescents with behavioral health and trauma-related needs.

Ability to safely move throughout residential, clinical, classroom, recreational, and outdoor areas as needed. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move between different therapeutic environments throughout the workday.

Ability to play and demonstrate a variety of musical instruments and participate in movement-based therapeutic activities as clinically appropriate. Ability to lift, carry, and safely transport musical instruments, equipment, and supplies, up to 25–40 pounds as required by the program.

Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to changing client needs and emergency situations. May work with clients who demonstrate emotional dysregulation, aggression, impulsivity, self-injurious behaviors, or other behavioral challenges; staff must follow facility-approved safety and crisis-response procedures.

May be exposed to elevated noise levels, emotional distress, and unpredictable behaviors associated with a psychiatric residential treatment environment. Work may include extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, or participating in active therapeutic programming.

Must be able to maintain appropriate professional conduct and therapeutic boundaries in a highly structured, team-based residential environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job function