Music Therapist

Position Purpose

To provide evidence-based music therapy services for students in the Alternate Curriculum Program to support engagement and retention and to encourage academic and socio-emotional growth.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Assess students’ needs, abilities, and interests, and plan and implement music therapy strategies in group or 1 on 1 settings for students with special needs in self-contained classrooms.
• Continuous development of therapeutic interventions that address changing student needs.
• Write goals and objectives that are in accordance with Individual Education Plans and attend staff development and program meetings on a regular basis.
• Possess a strong knowledge and understanding of special needs, including developmental and learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and the autism spectrum.
• Possess knowledge of adaptive music techniques, instruments, equipment, improvisation, and transposition skills.
• Establish a cooperative relationship with all assigned students.
• Maintain open lines of communication with staff/parents / guardians.
• Maintain confidentiality of information regarding students.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with students, staff and parents.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College/University in Music Therapy.
• Music Therapist Board Certification is required.
• Experience working with children with special needs.
• Excellent attendance record.
• This individual will exhibit skills pertinent to foster positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents and the community.
• Skills in organization, time management, communication, and positive interpersonal skills.
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication.
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance.
• Knowledge of OPS’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Equipment

This position may require the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines, as well as iPads, guitars, music devices, and applications like GarageBand, Sounding Board, and Canva. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel

Travel between schools is required.

Physical And Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Exemplary attendance.
• Able to work the required number of hours.
• Reliable transportation.
• Able to work within the local community/neighborhood as appropriate.
• Work in the school building environment.
• Exemplary communication skills, verbal and written.
• Interrelations Contact with personnel within the district and with students.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day-to-day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population, requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave. Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator. All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position. Regular attendance is important.

Terms Of Employment

• This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position.
• The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract.
• If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.
• The terms of employment are contingent upon verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.
• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).
• Execution and delivery to OPS of a Teacher Contract presented by OPS.