U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring: Creative Arts Therapist (Music) i

Summary

Unique clinical Music Therapist position functioning in Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) program section of Patient Care Services Division. Direct patient care where the incumbent performs work of a creative arts therapist of music – encompassing a variety of duties and responsibilities. Collaborates with HBPC & MFH program staff to guide and direct patient treatment to assist the Veteran in obtaining optimal levels of functioning while maintaining independence in the community.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement – 11/10/2026.

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, 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 a board‑certified music therapist (MT‑BC) approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). The certification may not be waived.
• Foreign Education: Education completed outside the U.S. must be submitted to a private credential evaluation organization and deemed at least equivalent to a U.S. program.
• Certification: Applicants must be an MT‑BC approved by CBMT.
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Grade Determinations: GS‑11 experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Demonstrated knowledge of the roles and meanings of music in various cultures and subcultures, concepts of health and pathology, and the role of music therapy. Knowledge of current methods of music therapy assessment, treatment, and evaluation; ability to design or adapt unique music therapy methods; ability to use interventions to address emotional disturbances; ability to maintain professional boundaries; ability to apply research literature and collaborate with other disciplines.
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of two years experience in the field of expertise in home care, geriatric/chronically ill/high‑risk or Veteran population, and experience with a Creative Arts Program including development and implementation of policy and procedure.
• Physical Requirements: 20/40 vision in one eye, 70‑degree field of vision, ability to distinguish red, green, and amber, whispered voice at five feet, and average hearing loss not greater than 40 dB at 500–2000 Hz.
• Driver’s License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted state driver’s license with a safe driving record and be medically qualified to operate a vehicle. Applicants are required to pass the agency government vehicle driver’s physical examination.
• NOTE: We cannot accept photographs. Please do not submit a copy of your driver’s license with your application. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state‑issued driver’s license.

Duties

• The vacancy will remain open until filled.
• The first cut‑off date is Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
• Additional applications will be referred as needed.
• Applications expire after 90 days; please update your application through USAJobs if you wish to be reconsidered.
• Administer and interpret music therapy assessments and use clinical knowledge to develop unconventional assessment and interview approaches.
• Review pre‑evaluation data in the medical record and report assessment data across functional domains (behavioral, cognitive, communicative, emotional/affective, physical, sensory, social, and musical).
• Plan, organize, and implement developmentally and situationally appropriate and evidence‑based comprehensive music therapy interventions for persons with chronic or life‑threatening conditions and their families.
• Use music listening, singing, playing, creating, and improvising to facilitate self‑expression, communication, and adaptive behavior for neurological or physical rehabilitation, pain management, increased independence, self‑concept exploration, coping skills, interpersonal relationships, social skills, and group cohesion.
• Recommend and develop new treatment groups and programs, including co‑treatment opportunities, for patients with complex medical, behavioral, or mental health issues such as dementia, Parkinson’s, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury.
• Participate in co‑treatment opportunities in neurological rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation, mental health recovery programs, and palliative care related to terminal illness symptoms.
• Work closely with other treatment team members and community health care professionals to support the patient’s medical treatment plan.
• Provide direct 1:1 treatment and services requiring mature professional judgment and flexible use of a wide range of clinical skills.
• Carry full professional responsibility for cases presenting a wide range of psychosocial and medical issues within the scope of clinical privileges.
• Provide information and referral services to community services as appropriate; investigate community resources and share information with team members.
• Participate in program planning and in the development of working relationships with community agencies and resources.
• Maintain accurate statistics and reports within specified deadlines; submit data on patient contacts promptly and accurately to the program office for monthly statistics.
• Know professional CARF and JCAHO standards and comply with policy; may participate in research, education, evaluations, and studies.
• Supervise music therapy students, interns, and trainees as needed.
• Work schedule: Typical tour of duty Monday‑Friday 8:00 am‑4:45 pm (adjustments may be made).

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Health Care Provider

Industries

Government Administration