Music Therapist - Hospice

St. Croix Hospice; Palos Heights (IL); On-site; USD 35,128 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plans

Job summary

St. Croix Hospice is looking for a Music Therapist in Palos Heights, IL to provide individualized music therapy services to enhance patient comfort and wellbeing. This position requires creativity and strong communication skills to tailor music therapy interventions to the unique needs of patients.

In addition to providing therapy, the Music Therapist will collaborate with RNs and maintain clinical documentation in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Competitive hourly pay and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• State Music Therapy License is mandatory.
• Background check, consumer report, and drug test are required.
• Valid State Driver’s License with reliable transportation is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct music therapy services to patients.
• Assess patient needs for effective therapy.
• Document patient responses and maintain records.

Skills

Music Therapy

Patient Assessment

Emotional Support

HIPAA Compliance

Education

State Music Therapy License

Job description

Job Location: Palos Heights, IL 60465

Position Type: Full Time

Travel Percentage: 100%

St. Croix Hospice provides compassionate care, focusing on patients’ quality of life and empowering them to live with dignity, comfort, and respect. This role is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a caring environment.

Position Overview

The Music Therapist provides music therapy services tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences, identifying music with personal meaning and connection. The therapist works under the direction of the Manager of Clinical Services and collaborates with the patient’s RN Case Manager in accordance with individualized Plans of Care.

Essential Functions and Skills

• Provide direct music therapy, following the direction of the Clinical Supervisor or Manager of Clinical Services and the plan of care.
• Assess patients and referrals for appropriate medical indications, and perform assessments to determine therapy effectiveness.
• Treat patients to relieve symptoms and provide psychological, psychosocial, physical, and spiritual comfort.
• Guide patients through interventions such as relaxation, imagery, lyric analysis, songwriting, reminiscence, entrainment, life review, receptive listening, and legacy projects.
• Assist patients with relaxation, communication, family support, anticipatory grief, and life legacy/review interventions.
• Direct and aid patients in alleviating anxiety, agitation, restlessness, depression, pain, emotional distress, spiritual distress, and social isolation.
• Observe and report to the clinical supervisor, clinical director, and organization personnel the patient’s response to treatment and any condition changes.
• Provide education on therapy appropriateness, contraindications, and clinical team support.
• Maintain records: clinical notes, problem charting, coordination notes, incorporated into the patient’s clinical record within 24‑48hours of a session and modified as needed.
• Participate in interdisciplinary group and in‑service education programs.
• Contribute to quality assessment and performance improvement teams and activities.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance; treat all patient information as confidential and use protected health information on a minimum necessary basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• State Music Therapy License
• Pass background, consumer report, and drug test
• Valid State Driver’s License, with access to a working automobile, insurance that meets state and organizational requirements, and an acceptable driving record

Preferred

• Completion and passing of the National Certification Exam (CBMT) for MT‑BC credentials

Physical Requirements

• Pushing/pulling and lifting/carrying up to 12 pounds, occasionally up to 20 pounds
• Ability to adapt to a variety of work conditions to ensure the highest quality of patient care in a home setting

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly base range for this role is $25.50–$30.00 per hour. Final compensation is based on geographic location, education, certifications, experience, and skill sets. In addition to hourly pay, the total compensation package may include medical/dental/vision/pet insurance, disability and life insurance, paid time off, 401(k) retirement plans, and other eligible benefits, subject to applicable plan terms.