Special Education Music Therapist - General Interest

Frisco ISD; Frisco (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Frisco ISD in Frisco, Texas is seeking a music therapist to plan and provide direct music therapy services for pre-k through high school students in special education. The role includes collaborating with teachers and assessing student needs through evaluations.

Successful candidates will have a Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy and current MT-BC status, along with knowledge of the Special Education Music Therapy Assessment Process. This position is dedicated to improving the social and emotional well-being of students.

Qualifications

• Experience in Special Education, professional or internship, preferred.
• Current MT-BC status granted by The Certification Board for Music Therapists.

Responsibilities

• Plan and provide direct and consultative music therapy services.
• Administer and interpret evaluations using SEMTAP.
• Collaborate with teachers to plan music therapy strategies.

Skills

Knowledge of SEMTAP

Ability to instruct and manage student behavior

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy

Current MT-BC status

Job description

Reports To

Director of Special Education

Work Year Days

184

Salary

Actual salary will be calculated based on experience.

Primary Purpose

Plan and provide direct and consultative music therapy services for pre‑k through high school students in special education.

Qualifications

• Education/Certification: Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy. Current MT-BC status granted by The Certification Board for Music Therapists.
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of Special Education Music Therapy Assessment Process (SEMTAP); ability to instruct and manage student behavior; effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience: Experience in Special Education, professional or internship, preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Assessment/Evaluation:

Administer and interpret evaluations using the Special Education Music Therapy Assessment Process (SEMTAP) to determine need for music therapy as a related service according to federal and state regulations.

Complete full and individual evaluation reports within the district Special Education management system.

Review evaluation results with guardians, including interpretation of evaluation data and educational needs of students.

Participate in the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to make recommendations regarding student eligibility and/or educational need for services and to assist with the interpretation of evaluation data, appropriate placement, specified timelines, and development of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for students according to district procedures.

Campus and Program Support:

Provide ongoing support and education to assist with implementation of quality special education programming.

Participate in the student support process to recommend interventions and/or determine necessity and scope of referral for full and individual evaluation.

Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement music therapy strategies.

Communication:

Maintain a positive, professional, and effective relationship with supervisors, administrators, educators, staff, students, and parents.

Use effective verbal and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.

Maintain confidentiality of student, parent, and school information and records at all times.

Provision of Services:

Plan and provide individual and/or group music therapy services to students consistent with the IEP.

Plan and provide direct music therapy services consistent with academic goals supported in students’ IEPs.

Plan and provide consultative music therapy sessions to be carried out in special education classrooms.

Maintain documentation of student progress and service provision within the district data management system.

Continuously monitor student progress; make changes during service provision and recommend adjustments to IEP, as needed.

Recommend interventions, instructional strategies, equipment and/or educational aids to promote maximum student independence.

Foster an environment that is conducive to student and staff safety, confidentiality, and student engagement giving consideration to the maturity level and interests of students.

Policy and Procedures:

Comply with policies established by federal and state laws and the American Music Therapy Association’s Standards of Clinical Practice and Code of Ethics.

Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and Frisco ISD Board of Trustees.

Compile, maintain, file and/or upload all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents within the district Special Education management system.

Utilize the district Special Education management system with proficiency and accuracy.

Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment, including attendance at department and team meetings.

Other Duties as Assigned

Frisco ISD retains the right to adjust the responsibilities and assignments of all positions as needed to meet the needs of the District.

Work Relationships

Frisco ISD is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that honors and supports the social and emotional well‑being of all. Employees are expected to interact in a manner that is becoming of educators and promotes high levels of productivity for the benefit of the students we serve.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting. Lifting and transferring students to and from wheelchairs, and assisting with positioning students with physical disabilities. Exposure to biological hazards.

Special Education General Employee Expectation:

The Special Education Department maintains an expectation that all staff will assume shared responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of all students and adults; which may include implementing, supporting and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and/or providing school health, related, and personal care services.

Disclosure Statements

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. The Frisco Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, or disability status of otherwise qualified individuals. FISD does not discriminate on the basis of membership or application for membership in the uniformed services.