This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Music Therapist III
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is advanced professional music therapy work including the responsibility for directing a large and complex music therapy program in a mental health facility.
Work of this class involves responsibility for the management and coordination of a comprehensive program of therapeutic music activities in a mental hospital. The employee plans and directs specific treatment projects adapted to the needs of patients, taking into consideration the severity, duration and nature of the illness and other pertinent information. Treatment may be given to patients individually or in groups and is based upon medical prescription. Supervision is exercised over a number of music therapists and volunteers in the performance of related activities. Considerable independent judgment and discretion is exercised in planning, organizing, and directing the music therapy program, in consulting with other professional staff on the needs and progress of patients, and in the training of music therapy staff members and volunteers. General supervision is received from the Clinical Director or Activity Therapy Coordinator through progress reports, conferences, and evaluation of the work for conformance with broad program objectives.
Consults with medical and other professional personnel as to the role which music therapy might play in the rehabilitation of individual patients who are mentally ill, makes recommendations as to specific programs which might be followed.
Develops an institutional program of music therapy; plans and directs specific treatment projects adapted to the needs of patients and based upon medical prescription.
Directs and participates in the instruction and supervision of patients in individual therapy programs involving special instruction in vocal or instrumental music; supervises a program of patient participation in instrumental and choral groups and related music activities.
Instructs and trains assistants in the objectives and activities of the music therapy program.
Consults with the music therapy staff concerning the progress and reaction of patients, makes clinical notes, discusses individual cases with the medical staff, and recommends changes in the therapeutic program for individual patients.
Plans and directs participation in that part of the entertainment and recreational program related to music activities.
Manages the music therapy unit with regard to such functions as the maintenance of necessary supplies and equipment, the assignment of work to employees and volunteers, and the maintenance of necessary records.
Cooperates with other hospital personnel and coordinates music therapy activities with other therapeutic programs.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
Three years of full-time paid professional experience as a music therapist including one year as a Music Therapist II; and graduation from a recognized school of music, or from an accredited college or university with a degree in music therapy. (A Master's Degree in Music Therapy may be substituted for two years of experience.)
OR
Graduation from a recognized school of music, or from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in the field of music; and five years of full-time paid professional employment in music therapy activities (other than purely recreational) in a mental health facility including one year as a Music Therapist II; and registration as a Music Therapist with the National Association for Music Therapy.
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of music education including both individual and group techniques.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of music therapy as applied to individual and group activities in a mental hospital.
Knowledge of music theory and instrumentation.
Considerable knowledge of mental hygiene and the general theory and practice of rehabilitation of the mentally ill patient.
Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate a fairly complex modern program of music therapy, using a wide variety of special techniques.
Ability to instruct subordinates and volunteers in the principles, practices, and techniques of music therapy and to plan effective therapy in accordance with a physician's prescription.
Ability to play and to give instruction in several musical instruments and to direct such activities as group singing, rhythm bands, impromptu concerts, planned programs of recorded music, music appreciation groups, etc.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, volunteers, patients, and other professional personnel.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
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