Music Specialist

Founded in 1867, the Sacramento Children's Home is the oldest active charity in Sacramento and among the most highly respected. SCH is an equal opportunity employer who values an inclusive work environment that celebrates and recognizes the diversity of its employees. At SCH, we appreciate that having employees of many different backgrounds strengthens our organization, and we strive to create a workforce that reflects the diverse and culturally rich communities that we serve.

OVERVIEW:  Under the supervision of the Training and Recreation Therapy Manager and work guidance and direction of the Residential supervisory and clinical teams, the RC-Music Specialist provides the children with encouragement and exposure to a variety of music-related activities, including individual lessons, forming musical/singing groups, talent shows, and introduction to musical concepts and games.

DUTIES:

1. (60%)  Music Lessons and Engaging with Children

• Assesses the children’s interest and ability.
• Provides basic instruction to the children with the drums, guitar, keyboards, and vocals.
• Creates lesson plans to best meet each child’s needs.
• Implements and leads music lessons.
• Continuously evaluates and adjusts lesson plans as needed.
• Uses Love and Logic approach and techniques in daily interaction with children.
• Provides Trauma Informed Care by using knowledge of the effects of trauma on child development and behavior.
• Uses Crisis Management Principles including restraints when necessary as learned per Pro-Act to ensure the safety of staff and residents.

2. (10%)  Musical and Singing Groups

• Assesses the children’s interest in different types of groups.
• Researches and plans for various types of musical/singing groups.
• Schedules and conducts therapeutic music groups Leads and supervises groups to meet goals and objectives.
• Monitors group’s progress and adjusts as necessary.

3. (10%)  Talent Shows, Music Concepts and Games 

• Provides a variety of musical group and individual activities to stimulate interest.
• Plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates quarterly talent shows.
• Maintains discipline and control in the above activities to the extent that each child may derive maximum benefit.
• Researches, plans, coordinates and leads outings to introduce children to community based musical resources.
• Provides leadership for the children in learning the rules and basic skills for a variety of musical games, activities and concepts.

4. (10%)  Resident Care

• Ensures the safety of the residents at all times consistent with agency standards of supervison.
• Provides a caring, warm, consistent environment for the children through setting clear boundaries, supporting, encouraging, and giving verbal praise and acknowledgment to children for positive actions and decisions to help build self-esteem, age appropriate interpersonal skills, positive thinking, problem solving, proper language, coping skills, respect for others and self and brainstorming alternative, appropriate behaviors, etc.
• Provides transportation for children as directed by a supervisor in accordance with agency transport policy.
• Reviews the Communication Log daily to stay up to date on resident issues, medical orders and notes from supervisors.
• Reports resident’s progress to cottage staff when attending Team Meetings and as needed.
• Attends and participates in team meetings to be aware of and facilitate the development and application of Needs and Services treatment plans for each child.

5. (10%)  Administrative/Other

• Completes written documentation per residential program requirements, and in compliance with agency policy and training including Incident and Restraint Reports.
• Attends and participates in team meetings to be aware of and facilitate the development and application of Needs and Services treatment plans for each child.
• Attends and utilizes all training that is provided, in compliance with Community Care Licensing (CCL) requirements.
• Ensures the agency’s music equipment and supplies are stocked and maintained in a safe condition for the children.
• Works cooperatively with staff to perform programmatic duties.
• Adheres to all licensing requirements and agency policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to provide instruction and guidance to children.
• Skill to adapt activities to the child’s skill and interest level.
• Ability to begin and complete activities within the time period provided.
• Knowldege of and a genuine interest in music, and  demonstrated ability to relate these interests to the children.
• Knowledge of music history and music therory.
• Ability to read music.
• Ability to play piano proficiently.
• Abilty to play drums and guitar.
• Knowledge of music related activities.
• Skill to teach music to children.
• Knowledge of community resources available for exposing children to music, increasing interest and helping them learn about music.
• Ability to plan and organize music related events.
• Skill and ability to engage and develop rapport with children who have various backgrounds.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a culturally diverse resident population and work force.
• Skill to communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Skill to plan and organize multiple tasks at one time.
• Ability to relate with children in a nurturing and respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries with children.
• Able to report to work on a regular and reliable basis.

LOCATION:   2750 Sutterville Rd., Sacramento, CA 95820

SCHEDULE:   Monday – Friday, 3-5 days per week. Afternoons, under 20 hours except during training. Hours vary.

                           SALARY:         $22.29 – $25.07 per hour, to start

Driving is an essential function of this job. As such, employees in this position will be required to furnish their own vehicle to be used in the course of employment. A valid driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage is also required. Must be at least 21 years old.

The following is required:

• A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required, AND
• Six months of previous experience teaching music lessons and planning and coordinating a music program or activities, AND
• A Bachelor’s degree in any field; or
• A valid Child Development Teaching Permit; or
• Completion of 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, Foster and Kinship Care Education or Psychology; or
• A valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor; or
• A valid Vocational Training certificate, credential or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills (and at least 100 hours of experience working with children or adults as a mentor, athletic coach, teacher, vocational coach, tutor, counselor, caregiver within a residential setting or other relevant experience as determined by Community Care Licensing which can be obtained after hire); or
• Previous employment as a full time employee or volunteer at a group home, short-term residential therapeutic center or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year; or
• Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice system as a consumer, mentor, or caregiver, or life experience with children who have experienced high levels of trauma

Must be at least 21 years old. An AA or BA in music is preferred.

BENEFITS: Retirement plan with company match, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, professional development and career advancement opportunities.

TO APPLY: Qualified employees must submit a completed Request for Promotion or Transfer form along with their resume to Human Resources. External candidates must complete our on-line employment application available at www.kidshome.org/careers.

PLEASE NOTE: Non-SCH employees who are made an offer of employment will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background process that includes passing a drug test, including marijuana. Applicants who do not pass any part of this pre-employment process will have their offer of employment rescinded.