Music Therapist

Institute for Therapy through the Arts; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

The Institute for Therapy through the Arts is looking for a full-time Music Therapist to provide therapy services in various settings across Evanston and Chicago. Applicants should be board-certified with at least three years of experience.

Responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. A strong commitment to creative arts therapy and culturally responsive care is essential.

Benefits include health insurance, 401k, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of professional clinical experience.
• Valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide music therapy services with up to 22 to 24 hours of direct client contact per week.
• Develop thoughtful treatment plans and measurable goals.
• Collaborate with clients, families, and partners.

Skills

Flexible and adaptable

Strong communication skills

Creativity in clinical tasks

Organizational skills

Knowledge of creative arts therapy

Education

Board-Certified Music Therapist, MT-BC

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Multiple school sites, with possible service at community partner sites in Evanston and Chicago
Department: Clinical
Salary Range: $48,000 to $55,000 annually, based on education and experience
Anticipated Start Date: Late August 2026

About the Opportunity

The Institute for Therapy through the Arts is seeking a full-time Music Therapist to provide creative arts therapy services to diverse clients across multiple school-based locations, with the possibility of serving additional community partner sites in Evanston and Chicago.

This position is ideal for a skilled, adaptable clinician who is committed to culturally responsive care, creative arts therapy, and supporting children, families, and communities through evidence-based, developmentally appropriate services.

The Drama Therapist will provide services in both group and individual settings, with up to 22 to 24 hours of direct client contact per week. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong clinical skills, flexibility across varied environments, and a passion for ITA’s mission

Key Responsibilities

• Provide music therapy services with up to 22 to 24 hours of direct client contact per week.
• Conduct assessments to identify client strengths and areas of need.
• Develop thoughtful treatment plans, measurable goals, and ongoing progress measures.
• Implement evidence-based, developmentally appropriate treatment in individual and group settings.
• Reassess client progress and adjust treatment as needed.
• Actively support the improvement of creative arts therapy community program models.
• Collaborate with clients, families, treatment teams, school personnel, and community partners throughout the therapeutic process.
• Complete clinical documentation, administrative paperwork, and related responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Maintain clear, consistent, and prompt communication with supervisors, ITA staff, school personnel, and community partners.
• Provide trainings, workshops, and presentations as needed.
• Participate in monthly clinical supervision to support high-quality care and professional development.
• Provide supervision to interns and staff as needed.
• Pursue continued professional development through trainings, conferences, and other opportunities within the creative arts therapy field.
• Support ITA’s continued growth and presence in the greater Chicagoland area.
• Follow all ITA policies and procedures.
• Maintain quality assurance standards, including ethical codes and standards of practice within the creative arts therapy field and the American Counseling Association.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include:

• Board-Certified Music Therapist, MT-BC.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional clinical experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Access to a personal vehicle, as public transportation will not meet the travel needs of this position.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience providing clinical services in school-based, community-based, or mobile settings.
• Experience facilitating individual and group therapy services.
• Experience supervising interns, staff, or clinical trainees.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Flexible and adaptable in a mobile environment with evolving needs and priorities.
• Passion for serving ITA’s mission.
• Solution-focused with a positive attitude.
• Dependable with adherence to deadlines.
• Understands and strictly adheres to the ethical codes of the creative arts therapy professions and the American Counseling Association.
• Strong knowledge of creative arts therapy and psychology theories and treatment methods.
• Strong communication skills: persuasive writing and oral communication.
• Creativity in carrying out clinical tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and community partner administration.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage one’s own time.
• Experience and comfort in public speaking and presentations.
• Strong knowledge in Microsoft Office suite with a minimum of beginner skills in Microsoft Excel

ITA offers a benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k.
• Life insurance.
• Pad time off.

Working Conditions

This position requires frequent travel to off-site contracts and ITA satellite clinics. The role may include the physical demands of treatment, such as stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, or standing for extended periods of time. This position may also require moving equipment or assisting clients in movement.