Music Therapist - Hospice

St. Croix Hospice; Palos Hills (IL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Croix Hospice is seeking a Music Therapist to provide individualized music therapy services in home settings, collaborating with the clinical team to implement each patient’s Plan of Care.

The role focuses on improving quality of life and comfort for patients and families during end‑of‑life journeys. The therapist will assess patient needs, conduct meaningful therapy sessions, and document outcomes while upholding HIPAA privacy and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Requires license for practice in state.
• Background check, consumer report, and drug test must be passed.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle accessible with proper insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct music therapy per plan of care under supervision.
• Assess patients and referrals for medical indication and therapy effectiveness.
• Relieve symptoms and provide comfort across physical, psychological, spiritual domains.
• Guide patients through music therapy interventions to alleviate anxiety, depression, pain, and isolation.
• Maintain accurate clinical notes and documentation within 24–48 hours of sessions.

Skills

Music therapy

HIPAA compliance

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

State Music Therapy License

CBMT MT-BC certification (preferred)

Job description

At St. Croix Hospice we guide patients and families through the end‑of‑life journey. Through compassionate care, we focus on our patient’s quality of life, empowering them to make the most of their time with dignity, comfort and respect.

Music Therapist

Position Overview

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

Essential Functions And Skills

• Provides direct music therapy at the direction of the Clinical Supervisor or Manager of Clinical Services and in accordance with the plan of care.
• Assesses patient and referral for appropriate medical indication for services and performs assessment to determine effectiveness of therapy.
• Treats patients to relieve symptoms and provide psychological, psychosocial, physical, and spiritual comfort.
• Directs and aids patients through music therapy interventions to assist with alleviating symptoms of anxiety, agitation, restlessness, depression, pain, emotional distress (patient and family), spiritual distress, and social isolation.
• Assists patients with needs regarding relaxation, communication, family support, anticipatory grief (patient and family), and interest in life legacy/review interventions.
• Utilizes interventions such as relaxation, imagery, lyric analysis, song writing, reminiscence, entrainment, life review, receptive listening, and life legacy projects.
• Observes and reports to the clinical supervisor or clinical director and the organization personnel the patient’s response to treatment and any changes in patient’s condition.
• Provides education and awareness to clinical team regarding appropriateness or contraindications for therapy treatment.
• Maintains necessary records; clinical notes, problem charting, coordination notes, which will be incorporated into the patient’s clinical record within 24‑48 hours of session and modified as needed.
• Participates in interdisciplinary group and organization in‑service education program as needed.
• Participates in the quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining compliance with all HIPAA regulations and requirements. Treats all patient information as confidential and utilizes protected health information on a minimum necessary basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Requirements / Qualifications

• State Music Therapy License
• Ability to pass background, consumer report and drug test.
• Valid State Driver’s License, access to an automobile in good working order, automobile insurance in accordance with state and organizational requirements, and an acceptable driving record required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion and passing of the National Certification Exam (CBMT) credentials of MT‑BC Music Therapy Board Certified.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made.

• 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.

The hourly base range for this role is $25.50‑$30.00 per hour. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: geographic location, relevant education, applicable certifications, depth of experience, and special skillsets. The total compensation package for this position may also include the opportunity to participate in employee benefits including our medical/dental/vision/pet insurance, disability and life insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) retirement plans, subject to applicable plan terms, and/or eligibility for other compensation.