Position Type:
Special Education
Date Posted:
5/21/2026
Location:
Lisle, IL
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Giant Steps day school is looking to hire a Board Certified Music Therapist that is passionate about working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Qualities of a successful candidate include interest in and/or experience working with autism, flexibility, positive energy, willingness to collaborate, as well as the ability to utilize music and music interventions to address non-musical goals in areas such as academic, social-emotional, communication, physical, vocational and life skills. The music therapist will work with an interdisciplinary team including Special Education Teachers, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts in developing student-specific programming and individualized IEP goals. The music therapist will also have opportunities for mentorship and collaboration among a large team of music therapists building-wide. The candidate must be willing to complete the Neurologic Music Therapy training upon hiring. This is a great opportunity for a music therapist looking for a fast-paced, high-energy, collaborative experience in which to apply music and its benefits to improve the quality of life for autistic students.
The Music Therapist is responsible for providing comprehensive music therapy services for students with autism spectrum disorders. The Music Therapist functions as a member of the educational and therapeutic team.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Provide treatment, including program planning, consultation, and education to the student and family in collaboration with the therapeutic team
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Collaborate with team members, parents, district personnel, and others involved in the education and treatment of the student
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Maintain professional documentation, including but not limited to performance data, progress summaries, and evaluations
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Maintain IEP goals, reports, and re-evaluations in collaboration with therapeutic team
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Participate in direct supervision of students and assist with activities of daily living as necessary
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Work with Program Assistants and staff to model strategies, discuss student progress, and assess student needs
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Participate in team meetings and professional development activities
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Comply with professional code of ethics and school policies
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Adhere to company policies and procedures
The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all inclusive. Other duties may be assigned by supervisors.
Knowledge and Skills
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Ability to effectively communicate assessment results, evaluations, and proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by team members, the district, and parents
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Knowledge of autism spectrum disorders
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Ability to treat students with autism spectrum disorders
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Familiarity with relevant music therapy techniques, theories, and strategies that benefit programming for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders
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Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards
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Knowledge of the use and maintenance of facilities and equipment.
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Knowledge of sensory and behavioral strategies
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Knowledge of child development theory
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Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements
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Knowledge of and comfort using technology, including but not limited to computers, iPads, Smart Projectors, Boardmaker, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs
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Strong written and communication skills
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Strong organizational skills
Minimum Job Requirements
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Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy; Master's Degree preferred
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Board certification with the Certification Board of Music Therapists
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Neurologic Music Therapy training completed before or within 2 months of date of hire
Classification
The position is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Salary
Salary is commensurate with level of education and experience.
Calendar
The Music Therapist follows the Day School Staff calendar.
Conditions of Employment
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Pre-employment physical, drug screening, and criminal background check
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Possesses appropriate professional credentials
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Passing PCM training is a requirement of this position. Participation in PCM training and adherence to the Professional Crisis Management Association's guidelines require at least average physical fitness. Any physical limitations or conditions that may impact one's ability to participate in PCM training or PCM must be made known to Giant Steps upon application, as performance of various physical tasks is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
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Work is typically performed indoors within the school facility
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Moderate physical movement is required for the job
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Moderate exposure to physical risk is anticipated
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The noise level in this work environment varies from quiet to very loud.
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continually required to stand, walk, sit, run, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, balance, crouch, talk, hear, smell, and see. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds.
Annual Performance Review
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An annual performance review will be conducted each spring by the Lead Music Therapist or Program Coordinator.
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The Music Therapist will complete a self-assessment of his/her performance and submit the self-assessment to the Lead Music Therapist or Program Coordinator two weeks prior to his/her annual review each spring.
Compensation Package
Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage to all full time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours/week.
Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity (AAP/EEO)
Giant Steps adheres to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including: veteran status, disability, religion, race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or FMLA related medical condition, height, weight, familial status, marital status and genetic information.
Disclaimer
This disclaimer is to acknowledge that it is highly probable that as an employee of Giant Steps Illinois, Inc., you are at risk of personal injury. Injuries may include, but are not limited to hitting, biting, kicking, scratching, and having hair pulled. The extent of some injuries may result in a break in the skin. All injuries must be documented according to the policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook. Often, individuals are placed in this setting as a result of physical aggression or acting out behaviors that may prohibit them from participating in other environments. Our setting allows for these atypical behaviors. All employees are required to show proof of a Hepatitis B vaccination upon hire.
- Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. has the ability to review and change the job description when necessary.
