At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Music Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Coordinates the activities of music therapy and enhancement experiences to patients and their families that are consistent with the goals, definitions, philosophy, and purposes of Northwestern Medicine.

Responsibilities:

• Provide Music therapy services:
  • Participates in the development of the interdisciplinary team plan of care to include music therapy when appropriate, including initial and ongoing assessment.
  • Maintains accurate and consistent documentation on music therapy services delivered in the EMR.
  • Designs, coordinates and provides a wide range of music therapy interventions sensitive to patient need, age, culture, and expressed spirituality.
  • Maintains record of music therapy utilization and related activities for quality assessment and program development.
  • Serves as a resource to the organization regarding music therapy.  May supervise music therapists, students and interns.
• Music Therapy Education:
  • Provides consultation, education and support to the interdisciplinary group on music therapy.
  • Provides community outreach and professional education presentations as requested.
• Participation in special events:
  • Works with event coordinators to implement appropriate use of music and music therapy into events.
  • Works with the health system to incorporate music and music volunteers into special events as requested.
• Development of resources:
  • Works with administration to secure grant funding to support the music therapy program.
  • Works with administration to plan and participate in fund raising events.
• Team Membership:
  • Participates as appropriate in the interdisciplinary group including staffing, reporting and group goal setting in formulating a patient/family plan of care.
  • Serves as a member of committees as requested.
  • Participates in Direct Care Volunteer Orientation.
  • Acts on situations that require follow-up or referral to other group members.
  • Contributes to the development and achievement of Hospice program goals and objectives.
  • Attends monthly staff meetings and assists in organizing Hospice events.
  • Submits an annual report to the Director.
  • Attends periodic workshops, in-services and seminars to update knowledge and skills.

Marginal Functions/Responsibilities if master’s Level Mental Health Counselor:

• In the absence of the LCSW or during peak census times will perform in the role of Social Worker and when appropriate will continue to visit those patients/families until services are no longer needed.
• Will perform all related assessments, documentation and coordination with families, other agencies, related professionals and hospice team.
• Will participate in the role of Social Worker as a member of the interdisciplinary group including staffing, reporting and group goal setting in formulating a patient/family plan of care.
• Will maintain necessary EMR and other documentation for social work services and Transition Program.
• Duties will be supervised by the Manager of Social Services.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Bereavement Program services:

• Coordinates with bereavement and social work staff regarding goals of music therapy interventions.
• Provides age and culturally appropriate music therapy interventions to facilitate expression of grief/loss.
• Develops and facilitates focused support groups utilizing music or musical instruments.
• Assists with community-based memorial services in coordination with bereavement program as able.
• Member of the Annual Member Service committee.

Required:

• Master’s degree in music therapy or a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy
• License and Board Certification in Music Therapy
• Interest in the care philosophy of dealing with terminally ill patients and their families
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups
• Completion of approved Hospice Volunteer Orientation program at next time offered
• Physical ability to provide services in patients’ residences
• Current, valid State of Illinois Driver’s License
  • Current, valid car insurance for:
    • $100,000 bodily injury per accident
    • $100,000 damage to property of another person OR
    • $500,000 combined single limit
• Minimum of 8 hours of continuing education: maintain state licensure requirements annually.

Preferred:

• Two (2) years of experience in hospice, related health care or social services program
• Masters prepared Licensed Mental Health Professional

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.