Music Therapist/Recreation Professional

Piper Shores is Maine’s premier nonprofit continuing care retirement community, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing Care for our residents. We provide a person-centered approach to care, with a focus on enhancing the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of our residents. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Music Therapist to join our team and provide personalized music therapy interventions to meet the unique needs of our residents. As a Music Therapist & Recreational Professional, you will follow the APIE (Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) process to design and implement musicand other recreation therapy programs that promote positive emotional and cognitive outcomes, improve physical rehabilitation, and enhance social engagement for our residents.

The Music Therapist & Recreation Professional will embody Piper Shores’ PersonFirst® approach to care, grounded in the principle that every resident is a unique individual with their own story, and should be encouraged to take an active role in their own care. The Music Therapist will provide compassionate, respectful, and accountable care, always considering each resident’s preferences and choices.

This role requires flexibility to work rotating holidays and weekends.

Essential Job Duties:

• Assessment and Planning: Conduct thorough assessments to evaluate the musical, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of residents. Develop and implement individualized music therapy plans and other recreation programing using the APIE process, in collaboration with the Recreation Manager and interdisciplinary team.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Lead one-on-one and group music therapy sessions, incorporating singing, playing instruments, songwriting, and music listening to support residents’ emotional, physical, and social well-being.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed, accurate records of residents’ participation in music therapy sessions and recreational activities, tracking their progress and responses. Complete care plans, assessments, and progress notes in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Collaboration: Work with other members of the Recreation and Life Enrichment teams to plan, coordinate, and conduct recreational activities, events, and special programs for residents; orientation, current events, discussion groups, sensory stimulation, cultural activities, religious services, special entertainment, outings/trips, special events, and one-on-one visits to meet resident needs. Ensure that music therapy programs align with residents’ individual needs and preferences and complement the community and recreation programs.
• Family and Resident Engagement: Attend resident/family conferences (IDT meetings) to provide updates on therapy progress and collaborate on care planning. Educate residents and families about the benefits of music therapy and other therapeutic programs and encourage active participation.
• Volunteer Coordination: Assist in identifying volunteer opportunities within the music & recreation therapy program and collaborate with volunteers to provide additional support during therapy sessions.
• Program Materials and Equipment: Work with the Recreation Manager to purchase, inventory, and maintain musical instruments and other necessary equipment. Ensure that equipment is in good condition and properly sanitized.
• Transportation: Escort residents to and from scheduled music therapy sessions, recreational activities, or related events. Drive Piper Shores’ vehicles and accompany residents for activity transportation, ensuring the safety and comfort of the residents during travel.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Maintain safe and sanitary work practices, equipment, and therapy stations. Follow safety protocols to prevent injury to self and others. Immediately report any incidents of injury or safety concerns.
• Training and Professional Development: Attend in-service training and continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date with best practices in music therapy. Participate in team meetings and contribute to overall program development.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Collaborate with Life Enrichment staff in Independent Living to develop shared events and programs. Contribute to interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for residents. Performs specific work duties and responsibilities assigned by Recreation Manager.

Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Certification: Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC) by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
• • Certification must be current and maintained according to CBMT guidelines.
• Experience: At least 1-2 years of experience in a healthcare or therapeutic setting, preferably with seniors or individuals with dementia. Experience conducting group and individual music therapy sessions is preferred 
• Skills:
• • Proficiency in playing one or more musical instruments (e.g., piano, guitar, percussion).
  • Ability to design and deliver engaging and effective music therapy interventions tailored to individual residents’ needs.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with residents, families, and staff.
  • Organizational skills and attention to detail for maintaining documentation and preparing program schedules.
  • Compassionate, empathetic, and patient approach to working with elderly and diverse populations.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• CPR Certification: Current CPR certification is preferred.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license with a good driving record to transport residents for activities when needed.
• State and Federal Regulations: Knowledge of current state and federal regulations related to healthcare and music therapy practices.
• Flexible Schedule: Must be available to work a flexible/rotating schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, as needed. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

Has the ability to move throughout Piper Shores promptly, especially in emergency situations. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted, and up to 150 pounds with the assistance of one; must be able to push and pull up to 150 pounds in a wheelchair; good visual and hearing acuity required.  Must be able to walk or stand for up to 80% of the workday.  Must be able to work with others in setting up events and to load and unload cargo, including lifting, stooping, stretching, squatting, bending, and using a step stool.  May be exposed to the elements (rain, snow, cold, heat) for short periods of time.   Ability to maintain good driving skills in handling vehicles on wet and/or slippery roads and to maintain appropriate reaction times and visual acuity, both day and night driving. Must be free of communicable disease; may be exposed to communicable diseases, and blood and body fluids may contain HIV and/or HBV.  May be exposed to cleaning chemicals and offensive odors.  Will be exposed to pets, pet dander, flowers, and plants in both buildings and throughout campus.

Benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance as low as $60/month for a top-tier plan
• 100% company sponsored short and long-term disability and life insurance
• 18 days of Paid Time Off to start, PTO buy-back feature
• 8 holidays (double pay for working holidays) and 2 paid personal days
• Retirement plan option with up to 4% company match
• Employee referral bonuses up to $1,000
• Growth opportunities and career pathways with tuition reimbursement
• Regular employee appreciation events including meals, raffles and contests
• Gift cards for outstanding service
• Generous annual performance increases to base pay
• Monthly Town Hall meetings to promote communication and hear employee concerns

Piper Shores is dedicated to a policy of compliance with all federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination in employment.

Consistent with the Maine Human Rights Act and the American with Disabilities Act, applicants may request a reasonable accommodation if needed to participate in the application process.

All employees must be fully vaccinated against Influenza, and required Public Health vaccines such as MMR/TB/etc.  A two-step TB test is required upon hire.