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Therapeutic Music Specialist

The Mather (Tysons, VA)

Music has the power to heal, connect, and inspire—and as a Therapeutic Music Specialist, you’ll bring that power to life every day. In this on-site role, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults through creativity, wellness, and meaningful engagement. You’ll design and lead innovative, person-centered music programs that support emotional well-being, cognitive health, and social connection for residents in Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing. This role is based in Kokua, our Life Centre named after the Hawaiian word meaning “to extend help to others without expecting anything in return.” At Kokua, residents are encouraged to express themselves, share their stories, and actively shape their environment—engaged as contributors to culture and connection, not just recipients of care.

This is an on-site, full-time position based at The Mather in Tysons Corner, dedicated to creative engagement and resident wellness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Facilitate group and individual therapeutic music experiences using person-centered, strengths-based techniques
  • Support resident wellness through music creation, collaboration, storytelling, and intergenerational engagement
  • Deliver programs aligned with the Culture of Creativity model, including sensory experiences, legacy work, and meaningful celebrations
  • Maintain a safe, welcoming music studio for sessions, songwriting, recording, and storytelling archives
  • Assist with multimedia events and exhibits that promote wellness and community engagement
  • Complete assessments and documentation in EMR systems to support care planning and compliance
  • Collaborate with musicians-in-residence and other wellness professionals across the continuum
  • Engage regularly with residents, families, and staff to gather input and foster connection

Secondary Responsibilities

  • Support resident-led music initiatives and volunteer programs
  • Assist with program communications, participation tracking, and feedback
  • Promote family engagement and maintain respectful communication
  • Ensure safety and compliance during programs; report incidents as needed
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support resident journeys
  • Participate in meetings, councils, and quality improvement processes
  • Uphold Mather’s policies, values, and confidentiality standards

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy, or related professional experience as a teaching musician with 2+ years older adult engagement experience
  • Exhibits extensive knowledge of music history, music performance, music creation, and diverse instruments and their applications with older adults.
  • Comfortable with diverse forms of expression, including creative writing/poetry, storytelling, movement, and improv.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Self-initiator requiring minimum supervision.
  • Ability to use or learn a variety of tech-based services and platforms; i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Zoom, YouTube, resident facing portals, A/V set-ups, recording equipment, etc.
  • Positive, engaging, and collaborative attitude, strong 1:1 and group facilitation skills.

Preferred:

  • Master’s Degree in related field.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience working with individuals living with dementia, long term care setting experience, demonstration of extensive knowledge of person-centered care, knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to Medicare/LTC.
  • Experience with care plan and MDS documentation relating to resident activity program requirements.

Benefits

Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*

 

Team members are eligible for:

  • A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility.
  • A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
  • Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
  • Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc. 

Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of:

  • Medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
  • Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
  • Extended illness benefits
  • Employee wellness programs
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance - free to all team members 

 

*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.

About The Mather:

The Mather is a Life Plan Community in Tysons, Virginia, for those 62 and better that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. More than a luxury residence, The Mather is in an enviable walkable, urban neighborhood, close to the Metro and all the DC area has to offer. Opened in March 2024, The Mather includes 293 independent living apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing, along with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, art studio, gardens and more. 

The Mather is located at 7929 Westpark Drive, Tysons.

About Mather

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age WellSM, we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work®, and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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Mather is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by law. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Any applicant who requires a reasonable accommodation of a disability in order to participate in the hiring process should notify Human Resources.