Music Therapy Assistant

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital

A new opportunity exists for an individual interested in working with children presenting with complex developmental/ physical/emotional/sensory needs within a dynamic and forward thinking Music Therapy Service.

We are recruiting for a new music therapy assistant; this new post will enable us to develop our music therapy offer for children and families. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who wishes to develop their skills working with children and families within a healthcare setting.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital is one of the few hospitals in the country to offer a comprehensive child development music therapy service for children and families. We provide assessment and therapy across Child Development Centres in Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster. We also offer a range of music therapy input to local children’s centres and nurseries as well as training and consultation for professionals and parents/carers. The music therapy service is highly valued by commissioners, MDT colleagues and parents/carers.

This post has excellent support and development opportunities which are particularly suited to someone at the beginning of their career who is looking to develop their experience and skills.

To carry out designated tasks and activities relating to children’s music therapy independently as delegated by a member of the music therapy team.
To work under the direction and appropriate supervision of the responsible music therapist although initiative is encouraged.
To take on administrative and practical roles to support music therapy provision across the service
To assist in maintaining a safe work environment.
To participate in CPD and other developmental activities related to the area of work.

About the Trust

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provide services from two main hospitals,

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital, and a number of clinics across London and the South-East.

We have nearly 7,000 members of staff that arePROUD to Carefor nearly one million people.

Both hospitals provide full clinical services, including full maternity, emergency and children’s,

in addition to a range of community-based services across London, such as award-winning sexual health and HIV clinics.

We’re one of the best performing Trusts in the country. We’re also one of the top trusts to work for
- our staff says they’re engaged, motivated, and would recommend us as a place to work and receive treatment.

Our Trust has been rated by the Care Quality Commission as ‘Good’ in all five of the main domains of safe,

effective, caring, responsive and well-led, giving an us overall rating of ‘Good’. We’ve also been awarded an

‘Outstanding’ rating for ‘use of resources’ by an NHS Improvement inspection.

Our facilities are some of the best in the country. We have been investing significant Capital year on year in our estate.

We have recently completed a £30m expansion of our adult and neonatal critical care facilities at Chelsea and Westminster

and are planning an ambitious £60m development of an Ambulatory Diagnostics Centre at West Middlesex.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

**1. Clinical**:

- To work closely with parents and carers to understand the needs of the child and family, and the ways in which music therapy might help.
- To support specialist music therapy assessment and treatment for children presenting with a wide range of developmental needs
- To carry out the appropriate tasks that have been selected and delegated by a music therapist. It is the joint responsibility of the therapy assistant and their supervisor to ensure the assistant is competent and confident in carrying out required duties. These may involve assisting in therapy sessions, liaison with families, and working with MDT colleagues.
- To communicate with children and families about music therapy appointments, information and resources.
- Participating in the maintenance and cleaning of music therapy equipment and resources.
- To participate in maintenance of clinical areas in accordance with the health and safety policy and departmental procedures.
- To comply with the Trust policy on confidentiality, maintaining strict confidentiality regarding any information pertaining to clients and their families.
- To attend and actively participate in in-service training as required.
- To attend staff and team meetings as required
- To travel between sites as required using own, hospital or public transport.
- To work in community settings (schools, nurseries, children’s centres) under direct supervision of a music therapist when needed.
- To demonstrate a sensitive approach to the diverse needs of the children and families who access the service.
- To adhere to Trust policies relating to confidentiality in dealing with patients and their families, in the context of ongoing highly distressing ci