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Job Description Summary
The Hospice Music Therapist provides individualized music therapy services to hospice patients and their families across home, facility, and inpatient settings. This role supports patients’ emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial well-being through music-based interventions that align with the interdisciplinary plan of care. The Music Therapist plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life, offering comfort, promoting reminiscence, and honoring individual values and preferences at end of life. Bilingual in Spanish or Creole is a plus
Key Responsibilities
Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate music therapy interventions aligned with patient and family needs, goals, and cultural/spiritual values.
Conducts music therapy assessments to determine appropriate interventions for symptom management, emotional support, legacy work, or life review.
Provides live and/or recorded music experiences tailored to the patient’s condition, preferences, and functional ability.
Supports the grieving process for patients and families through therapeutic music experiences, including anticipatory grief, immediate post-death care, and bereavement. May participate in memorial services or remembrance events as part of the interdisciplinary bereavement support team.
Maintains documentation of all clinical visits in the electronic medical record, in accordance with hospice policies and regulatory standards.
Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and contributes to the development of the plan of care.
Offers consultation and education to staff and caregivers on the role of music in hospice care and how to integrate supportive techniques.
Maintains an appropriate inventory of instruments, sound equipment, and supplies, ensuring sanitization between use and transportation in accordance with infection control standards.
Provides in-service training or community education as requested to raise awareness of music therapy’s role in hospice care.
Provides supervision, mentorship, and evaluation of music therapy interns in accordance with AMTA and CBMT guidelines, ensuring alignment with Arc Hospice & Palliative Care policies and clinical standards.
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from an accredited program required; Master’s degree preferred.
Must hold or obtain board certification as a Music Therapist–Board Certified (MT-BC) by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). In states where licensure is required (currently GA, NJ, NV, ND, OR, RI, and UT), a valid state license must be obtained and maintained as a condition of employment. In all other states, MT-BC certification must be obtained within six (6) months of hire and maintained throughout employment.
Minimum of 1–2 years of experience providing music therapy, preferably in hospice, palliative care, geriatrics, or a healthcare setting.
Proficient with voice and at least one accompanying instrument (e.g., guitar, keyboard).
Ability to work independently in home and facility settings with reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.
Demonstrated empathy, sensitivity, and ability to support patients and families from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered care that reflects Arc Hospice & Palliative Care’s mission, values, and standards of dignity, respect, compassion, and integrity.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions
This role requires frequent travel to patient homes, facilities, or hospice office locations. The Music Therapist must be able to carry lightweight instruments and equipment (typically under 25 pounds), and navigate a variety of home and facility environments. The role involves extended periods of driving, standing, and sitting, along with occasional kneeling or reaching during bedside care. It requires strong verbal communication and emotional resilience in a setting where death, grief, and loss are present. The ability to adapt to patient needs and changing care environments is essential.
The starting compensation for this position is shown below. Arc Hospice & Palliative Care is committed to transparency and equity in all compensation practices. The rate displayed reflects the starting hourly or salaried pay for the role and does not represent a range.
Final pay is determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and business needs at the time of hire. Some roles may be eligible for additional compensation components consistent with Arc Hospice & Palliative Care practices.
Arc Hospice & Palliative Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds to join us in delivering compassionate, inclusive care. Explore the impact you can make with Arc Hospice today.