Music Therapy Assistant | Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Greater London is seeking a Music Therapy Assistant to support children with complex developmental needs through music therapy. The role includes assisting therapy sessions, collaborating with families, and managing administrative tasks. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills and a sensitivity towards diverse needs. This position offers excellent support for professional development and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and families is beneficial.
• Ability to communicate with individuals with diverse needs.
• Willingness to participate in training and development.

Responsibilities

• Assist in therapy sessions and communicate with families.
• Participate in administrative tasks and maintain clinical records.
• Travel to community settings as required to support therapy.

Skills

Understanding of child development

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Sensitivity to diverse needs

Tools

Digital recording equipment

Job description

Music Therapy Assistant - Chelsea & Westminster Hospital

An opportunity exists for an individual interested in working with children with complex developmental needs within a well-established Music Therapy Service. We are recruiting for a Music Therapy Assistant to enhance our music therapy offer for children and families. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who wishes to develop their skills working with children and families within a healthcare setting.

We provide music therapy across Child Development Centres in Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster. We also offer support to local early years settings as well as training and consultation for professionals and parents/carers.

This post has excellent support and development opportunities, particularly suited to someone at the beginning of their career who is looking to develop their experience and skills.

Please see the job description and person specification on NHS jobs for full details. If you have any questions that aren't covered in the job description, contact the music therapy team: [e-mail] or 02033156472.

Roles and Responsibilities

Clinical

• Work closely with parents and carers to understand the needs of the child and family, and the ways in which music therapy might help.
• Support specialist music therapy assessment and treatment for children presenting with a wide range of developmental needs.
• Carry out the appropriate tasks that have been selected and delegated by a music therapist; ensure competence and confidence in carrying out required duties in collaboration with the supervisor.
• Assist in therapy sessions, liaise with families, and collaborate with MDT colleagues.
• Communicate with children and families about music therapy appointments, information and resources.
• Participate in the maintenance and cleaning of music therapy equipment and resources, and in the maintenance of clinical areas in accordance with health and safety policy and departmental procedures.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding any information pertaining to clients and their families in accordance with Trust policy.
• Attend and actively participate in in-service training and staff/team meetings as required.
• Travel between sites as required using own, hospital or public transport.
• Work in community settings (schools, nurseries, children’s centres) under direct supervision of a music therapist when needed.
• Demonstrate a sensitive approach to the diverse needs of the children and families who access the service.
• Adhere to Trust policies relating to confidentiality in dealing with patients and families, including child safeguarding procedures.
• Carry out practical, clinically related tasks as necessary, such as storing and maintaining equipment, and organising the clinical environment.
• Understand the Trust clinical governance framework, and participate in promoting and safeguarding high standards of care through effective risk management, governance and adherence to Trust values.

Administration

• Participate in the smooth running of work areas by undertaking administrative tasks such as making appointments, telephone calls and other clerical activities.
• Keep regular and up-to-date records, either written or electronic, and assist therapists with departmental statistics.
• Make initial, follow-up and alter appointments for patients on the Trust electronic patient system according to department procedures.
• Inform families of appointments by letter or telephone as required.
• Work with the team to monitor and maintain equipment levels.
• Register client referrals on the departmental computer system.
• Book interpreters via Trust process.
• Use good communication skills with children, carers and staff, including those with communication difficulties or for whom English is an additional language.
• Deal with client/relative queries both in person and on the telephone courteously and efficiently.
• Report all complaints and accidents to the immediate senior member of staff as soon as possible and document accordingly.

Personal Development

• Ensure that all mandatory training is completed within the required timescales.
• Participate in the PDR system and be responsible for fulfilling personal agreed objectives and personal development plans.
• Ensure adherence to Trust policy and guidelines at all times.
• Role model Trust values at all times.

Communication

• Liaise with the music therapy team regarding patient care and report to the supervising therapist any change in the client’s condition.
• Communicate with other members of the multidisciplinary team, carers, external agencies and those related to the patient’s care, using effective communication for clients or relatives with barriers to understanding or communicating.
• Deal sensitively with clients and carers who may be managing complex or difficult situations.
• Actively participate in supervision with a music therapist to reflect on clinical work, review own performance and identify training and development needs.
• Use digital equipment to assist with music therapy clinical work (such as recording sessions, virtual appointments).

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and his/her manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure, you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.

This advert closes on Wednesday 10 Dec 2025.