Clarification from the agency

Open to all qualified US Citizens.

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The Music Therapist provides music therapy treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment services. The occupation requires the application of professional medical rehabilitative, therapeutic and palliative principles based on a medical prescription, medical referral, and/or the integration of Music Therapy within the total health care plan for the patient.

Music Therapist provides music therapy treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment services. The occupation requires the application of professional medical rehabilitative, therapeutic and palliative principles based on a medical prescription, medical referral, and/or the integration of Music Therapy within the total health care plan for the patient.

Conduct, analyze, interpret, and report assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure). Incorporating the four-step process of: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered, the therapist constructs appropriate and evidence-based music therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues such as Polytrauma (TBI); Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Substance Use Disorder/Addictions; Serious Mental Illness as well as other Cognitive (Dementia) and Neurological Disorders.

Provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and require only general supervision. Review music therapy consults and conduct comprehensive evaluations. Based upon the assessment data and in collaboration with other stakeholders, the therapist develops individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives including scope, duration and treatment. Recommends adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet the assessed needs and preferences in music therapy.

The Music therapist is expected to perform documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed. The therapist regularly
reviews patient progress and adapts or adjusts the treatment plan and intervention strategies
accordingly.

Serves as an interdisciplinary team member in the treatment of complex clinical cases and demonstrates an ability to design, develop, or adapt unique music therapy methods as needed. Evaluates, establishes outcome goals based on assessment findings, and develops treatment intervention plans. Implements and modifies as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes.

Completes documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; Selectee will be required to work some holidays.
Telework: Not Eligible for telework
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: FS000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education:
  • A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, in music therapy, or in music with an emphasis in music therapy. The degree must be approved by the National Association for Schools of Music and/or the American Music Therapy Association. OR,
  • A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, and must be a board certified music therapist (MT-BC) approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
• Certification: Applicants must be a MT-BC approved by the CBMT.
• Exception. Non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation or creative arts therapist, under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. Applicants who fail to obtain registration and/or certification during this temporary full-time appointment may be terminated. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 and GS-9 level. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met for each grade:

GS-7:
Experience/Education
None beyond the basic requirements.

Assignment
Employees at this level serve in an entry level position as a creative arts therapist (music). They work under the supervision of a recreation or creative arts therapist at or above the full-performance level or a designated supervisor in a clinical environment. Employees have knowledge of their respective discipline and work with guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff. Established treatment procedures are substantially adapted and applied for patients who are acutely ill. Employees at this level would not be assigned work at a CBOC unless supervision is on site.

GS-9:
Experience/Education
At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, OR a master's degree in creative arts therapy (music) may be substituted for the required one year of professional creative arts therapist (music) experience.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's:

(1) Ability to perform a varied repertoire of popular, folk, and traditional songs appropriate for use in a clinical setting using at least two of the following: keyboard, voice, guitar, percussion or other musical instruments suitable to a clinical setting.
(2) Knowledge of the roles and meaning of music in various cultures and subcultures.
(3) Knowledge to design, develop, or adapt unique music therapy methods for assessment, treatment, or a palliation and evaluation procedures.
(4) Skill to apply objectivity and insight to respond and constructively to both positive and negative reactions while maintaining a safe environment for the patient and therapist.

Assignment
Employees at this level serve in a developmental level position as a creative arts therapist (music). They work under general supervision. Employees have an understanding of music therapy processes and procedures to provide patient care. They exercise judgment, administer and interpret music therapy assessments, and use clinical knowledge to develop assessment and interview approaches. They plan and organize music therapy interventions for persons diagnosed with chronic or life-threatening conditions, as well as their families and in collaboration with an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary team. Duties may include, but are not limited to the use of music listening, singing, playing, creating, and improvising for therapeutic or palliative treatment. They recommend new treatment groups and programs (including co-treatment opportunities) for treating patients with medical or mental health issues.

GS-11:
Experience
At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's:
(1) Knowledge of the roles and meaning of music in various cultures and subcultures, how culture influences identity formation, concept of health and pathology, and understanding of the role of music therapy and how music therapy is practiced.
(2) Knowledge of current methods of music therapy assessment, treatment, and evaluation related to human growth and development, musical development , diagnostic classifications, etiology, symptomology and prognosis and formulating complex treatment plans, including the contraindications of music therapy for individuals and groups.
(3) Ability to design, develop, or adapt unique music therapy methods for assessment, treatment or palliation, and evaluation procedures for complex clinical cases, through a broad range of specialized music therapy services for various and emergent patient populations.
(4) Ability to use music therapy interventions to provide opportunities to work through treatment issues, including emotional disturbances, by establishing a safe environment for the patient to understand the symbolic expression of their musical product, process, and experience as it relates to recovery and wellness.
(5) Ability to apply effective use of professional skill, objectivity, and insight to respond constructively to both positive and negative reactions , establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with professional boundaries to reflect trusting, empathetic, and respectful interactions.
(6) Ability to apply current research literature and co-facilitate treatment with professionals from other disciplines, the uses of the creative arts therapies and recreational therapy, as well as understanding emerging models and trends in music therapy.

References: VA Handbook 5005/111 Part II Appendix G60

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: . The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate therapeutic procedures. This position frequently requires moderate to heavy lifting. Normally such lifting will involve but not limited to assisting with transfers or mobility training of the patient in various recreation therapy and creative arts therapy clinics and other settings. This position will also require dexterity and skill in safe machinery techniques and to lift, handle and operate various supplies and equipment needed by the Service. Also requires pushing Veteran's wheelchair on level and incline ground.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.