REGION OF WATERLOO JOB DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 REGION OF WATERLOO JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: MUSIC THERAPIST JOB CODE: (SENIORS SERVICES) DIVISION: SENIORS SERVICES DEPARTMENT: SOCIAL SERVICES REPORTS TO: UNION: UNIFOR LOCAL 1106 SUPERVISOR, COMMUNITY ALZHEIMER PROGRAMS REVISED: April 23, 2014 GENERAL PURPOSE: Assists in performing resident/client/tenant assessments upon admission, evaluating individual physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs and abilities. Develops, implements, evaluates, and revises therapeutic music programs designed to meet resident/client/tenants needs, enhance resident/client/tenants' well being, and improve the overall delivery of health care. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: As part of the team, develops, assesses, and revises individual goals and objectives for resident/client/tenants on an annual basis. Conducts program assessments based on interviews and behavioral observations within 15 days of admission to day program, and upon admission for weekend program. Reviews initial assessments and modifies assessments on an ongoing basis. Completes a care plan for each resident/client/tenant related to behaviours of daily living as observed through music programming. Reviews and updates the care plan quarterly. Develops and administers therapeutic, individual, and group music programs to meet the needs, abilities, and interests of a diverse population, including programs such as sensory stimulation, music, and other cognitive therapies. Participates in resident/client/tenant Care Conferences and mini home meetings as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. Maintains required documentation in resident/client/tenants' charts to communicate observed behaviour, participation in therapeutic and recreation programs and changes in functional ability. Works with the Recreation Therapist - Alzheimer Program to organize weekly calendar of therapy programs and special events, and submits a description of these to the facility's quarterly newsletter, promoting family and community participation. Participates in relevant conferences and workshops for ongoing education. Performs other related duties as assigned, including assisting participants in activities of daily living.

2 2 RESPONSIBILITY FOR MATERIAL/FINANCIAL RESOURCES: Takes ongoing inventory of supplies and equipment. Requisitions money or resources from appropriate accounts, or other departments to acquire supplies as needed subject to supervisors approval. Secures resident/client/tenants' money when caring for resident/client/tenants who are cognitively impaired at events requiring resident/client/tenant funds. Some resident/client/tenants do not have accounts and incumbent must arrange funds with family members. NATURE AND IMPACT OF ERROR: Failure to ensure proper assessment and implementation of music programs could have a negative impact on the health and well being of resident/client/tenants. Failure to ensure safety of resident/client/tenants within and outside facility could result in injury or death to resident/client/tenant, staff or volunteers, and embarrassment or lawsuit to the Region of Waterloo. Failure to conduct music therapy programming at a professional level could result in a lack of confidence in the services provided and diminish the importance of Music Therapy to resident/client/tenants' well being. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPERVISION OF STAFF AND OTHERS: Trains and supervises volunteers and students on work placements. Participates in volunteer and student orientation, training, and performance evaluations. Supervises programs at all times to ensure safe and therapeutic resident/client/tenant participation. CONTACTS AND HUMAN RELATIONS: Internal: Has daily contact with seniors who are cognitively impaired, mentally and/or physically ill and therefore unpredictably agitated, aggressive and uncooperative. Has frequent contact with the Coordinator, Alzheimer Programs and other staff members to discuss program issues. Interacts regularly with supervisors and staff in other departments such as Resident/client/tenant Care, Food Services, Housekeeping and Environmental Services. Contacts staff within Sunnyside Home for joint programming needs. External: Communicates with resident/client/tenants' families to discuss resident/client/tenants' progress and participation in programs. Has regular contact with the public including volunteers, church groups, high schools, community colleges, and entertainers and bands, both verbal and written. Orders supplies for programs through external vendors.

3 3 EFFORT (Mental, Physical): Uses standard therapeutic procedures in order to develop and implement programs, including assisting resident/client/tenants, analyzing specific therapy components, observing and monitoring resident/client/tenants' progress and adjusting program content. Work requires constant vigilance, motivation, and communication strategies to ensure the safety and well being of communicatively or cognitively impaired resident/client/tenants. Work requires creativity, flexibility, and the use of problem solving skills to meet changing needs of resident/client/tenants. Performs therapy work independently, referring problems and concerns to the Coordinator, Alzheimer Programs or Registered Nurse for weekend program. When outside the facility, occasionally lifts heavy resident/client/tenants without mechanical assistance. Frequently pushes wheelchairs and operates lift to move resident/client/tenants in and out of wheelchair van as required. Uses the Q-straint safety system in vans, requiring prolonged bending, stooping and pulling while in an awkward, confined position. Weight lifted is usually between 10 and 50 kg. Frequently lifts and carries furniture and equipment, occasionally requiring a "heavy lift" and manipulation of dollies for transferring furniture. Decorating the facility often requires climbing onto step ladders, reaching, and awkward positioning. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in a home for the aged setting in the Day Away Department, with a small percentage of off site work. Work is subject to occasional exposure to varying weather conditions while travelling to or participating in outside programs. Every second Saturday is regularly scheduled, with the remaining work scheduled during the week days. Work occasionally requires some exposure to hazardous conditions such as infectious disease or working at heights. Work is subject to interruption, and is occasionally performed to meet deadlines for assessments, care plans, quarterly reports, newsletter submissions, and departmental requirements.

4 4 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Assessment skills based on knowledge of normal aging processes, illness, and cognitive impairment. Knowledge of the therapeutic aspects of music, and ability to plan, implement, evaluate, and modify programs based on ongoing assessment, normally acquired through the attainment of a Bachelor's Degree of Music Therapy. Strong background in gerontology, acquired through at least one year of experience. Qualification for accreditation with the Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT). Working knowledge of group dynamics, age cohort characteristics for appropriate programming. Knowledge of medication sufficient to monitor resident/client/tenants' functioning levels. Organizational/time management skills and ability to work independently. Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Must provide an acceptable Police Records Check in order to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable populations. Ability to travel to various locations within the Region. Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization. Language Communication (Written & Verbal): Ability to participate in staff in-service training and quality assurance programs. Ability to interpret resident/client/tenant charts, educational materials and policy and procedure manual. Ability to document progress or change in resident/client/tenants' charts and communicate this information at multi-disciplinary team meetings. Ability to maintain monthly statistics on program participation. Ability to write letters to request or confirm entertainment bookings, and to thank volunteers on behalf of Sunnyside Home. Ability to write proposals, quarterly reports, newsletter articles, and any related projects as assigned.

5 Position Incumbent: Name Signature Supervisor Director, Employee Services & Systems Department Head Commissioner, Human Resources