Job Description

Job Category: Allied Health
Hospital Location: Newmarket ON
Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term), Full time
Number of Positions: 1
Minimum - Maximum Hourly Rate: $35.03 - $41.64

Why Join Our Team?

A best-in-class workplace environment that prioritizes a culture of belonging and wellness. Progressive health and dental benefit plans. HOOPP pension plan with employer and employee premium sharing. Enhanced wellness initiatives, including virtual fitness classes and on-site gym memberships.
If you are ready to embrace this exciting challenge and contribute to the success of Southlake Health, we encourage you to apply and be part of our dedicated team, making a difference in the lives of our employees and the community we serve!


As an integral member of the Cancer Program at Southlake, the Music Recreational Therapist functions as a resource to patients to assist in their healing through the expression of feelings in artistic form. The principal responsibilities include: Performing program development responsibilities; implementing program development and other patient care strategies; utilizing extensive knowledge of music techniques to lead patient group therapy sessions; maintaining and protecting patient confidentiality while providing a safe environment for the provision of music therapy; performing administrative responsibilities; performing cross-functional and other duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned or request.

What you'll be doing:

Develop, promote, implement and evaluate a range of Music Therapy services based on Best Practices; design and implement specialized service plans to address specific identified patient/ client need. Assess patient strengths and areas of growth through a combination of techniques such as: use of standardized assessment tools, interviews and activity; observing and reporting client progress to the clinical team. Implement established and innovative Music Therapy interventions on an individual basis and/or in group settings. Collaborate with patients/clients, natural supports and other relevant caregivers to determine appropriate treatment goals and objectives; including contributing to clinical rounds and patient care conferences. Assist patients/clients in developing related resources; counsel clients on the use of skills and knowledge related to music. Assess client needs and deliver music therapy programs to address individual interests and capabilities (in both group and one-on-one settings) Effectively utilize recognized Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) principles, communication and behaviour management strategies. Seek, support, and develop appropriate partnerships with a range of service providers; Facilitate connections with services needed for transition and/or participation. Contribute to Rehab Services/ Team Process, including involvement in program meetings, project development, planning and evaluation; initiate and implement special research and quality improvement projects. Document clinical assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, treatment plan modifications and treatment terminations in accordance with Southlake's policy. Maintenance of musical equipment. Participation in professional development/continued education and research activities. Evaluate, recommend and implement program changes to accommodate the changing needs of clients, caregivers and programs Communicate changes in client condition or other complex situations to the healthcare team. Attend and participate in interprofessional rounds and team meetings. Participates in special events as requested. Reviews program on an on-going basis; modifying as appropriate. Utilizes extensive knowledge of music therapy techniques to lead patient group therapy sessions. Liaises with patients to identify/clarify their needs and to develop their goals, utilizing extreme tact, judgement, skill and diplomacy to make patients feel at ease to participate. Explains the premises of music therapy techniques and strategies. Monitors patients continually, providing required feedback and adjusting therapy strategies, as appropriate to facilitate patients attaining goals. Maintains and protects patient confidentiality while providing a safe environment for the provision of art therapy. Remains culturally sensitive to each patient's cultural perspective. Performs cross-functional and other duties as assigned or requested.

What you bring:

Bachelor of Music Therapy from a Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT) approved program. Certified Music Therapist (MTA) in good standing with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPS) in Dementia Care preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of Music Therapy theory, best practices, approaches and treatment techniques required. Proven success with essential competencies of Music Therapy practice required. Knowledge of principles and values of rehabilitation including facility and client needs, assessment, treatment, goal and objective setting, service planning, supportive counseling and crisis intervention required. Experience in developing an evaluation framework and outcome measurement preferred. Recent and related experience working in a Palliative Care environment, within a Cancer Program preferred. Experience working in a hospital environment preferred. Demonstrated leadership, conflict resolution, teamwork, interpersonal and organizational skills Proficiency in a variety of modalities used for Music Therapy services. Skilled in Voice and at least one instrument. Evidence of critical thinking, excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated skills in developing and implementing and evaluating Music Therapy interventions for persons with mental illness. Proficiency in use of Electronic Health Record, Microsoft Office, and other computer applications. Evidence of the ability to create alliances with internal and external partners. Results oriented work ethic to work independently and undertake tasks needed to accomplish work objectives and deliver quality, consistent and timely results
Southlake Health is fully committed to a culture of belonging and an inclusive environment that encourages every team member to lead within their role, generate innovative ideas that reinforce our mission and goal to create a healthy workplace where our community can thrive.


Regular and reliable attendance is an expected requirement of this position.


We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier-free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants who may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify the Human Resources Department when contacted for an interview. The People, Culture and Experience team will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process, which will enable you to be assessed fairly and equitably.

Health & Safety Workplace Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all Southlake Health employees to work safely and promote health and safety in the workplace. Employees must adhere to the duties of workers, as stipulated in Section 28 of the OH&S Act, as well as all Southlake OH&S policies and procedures. Must be able to perform all necessary bona fide duties for the position, as outlined in the position guide. Must review and be capable of performing duties as outlined in the Job Demands Analysis for the position as a condition of offer. Proven ability to attend work regularly as per the Attendance Support Policy.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Southlake Health is fully dedicated to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment practices. We welcome candidates who identify with equity-seeking groups, including women, racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Any information provided will be kept confidential and used appropriately in our recruitment process.

Anti-Oppression/Anti-Racism at Southlake Health

Southlake Health is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of York Region and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and from those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas.

Accommodation & Diversity in the Workplace

At Southlake Health, we are committed to promoting employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment practices is a key aspect of our search process. The current posting is seeking candidates who identify with the following equity-seeking groups: women, racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. If you are of the aforementioned identities and feel comfortable making it known, you may choose to self-identify as a member of a designated group. Any information directly related to you is kept confidential and used safely to inform our recruitment process towards being an equal opportunity employer.


Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your submission. We appreciate your interest in joining Southlake Health!