Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/10/2026

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Education: The following education requirements apply to the creative arts therapist (music)
• A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, in music therapy, or in music with an emphasis in music therapy
• The degree must be approved by the National Association for Schools of Music and/or the American Music Therapy Association
• OR, A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, and must be a board-certified music therapist (MT- BC) approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT)
• If hired under this education, the certification cannot be waived
• Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
• The private organization must deem such education at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs
• Certification: Required Certification Creative Arts Therapy (Music)
• Applicants must be a MT-BC approved by the CBMT
• If hired under second option above under Education, certification cannot be waived
• Loss of Credential: A recreation or creative arts therapist who fails to maintain the required registration and/or certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: GS-11 Experience
• At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the roles and meaning of music in various cultures and subcultures, how culture influences identity formation, concepts of health and pathology, and understanding of the role of music therapy and how music therapy is practiced
• Knowledge of current methods of music therapy assessment, treatment, and evaluation related to human growth and development, musical development, diagnostic classifications, etiology, symptomatology, and prognosis in formulating complex treatment plans, including the contraindications of music therapy for individuals and groups
• Ability to design, develop, or adapt unique music therapy methods for assessment, treatment or palliation, and evaluation procedures for complex clinical cases, through a broad range of specialized music therapy services for various and emerging patient populations
• Ability to use music therapy interventions to provide opportunities to work through treatment issues, including emotional disturbances, by establishing a safe environment for the patient to understand the symbolic expression of their musical product, process, and experience as it relates to recovery and wellness
• Ability to apply effective use of professional skill, objectivity, and insight to respond constructively to both positive and negative reactions, establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with professional boundaries to reflect trusting, empathetic, and respectful interactions
• Ability to apply current research literature and co-facilitate treatment with professionals from other disciplines, the uses of the creative arts therapies and recreation therapy, as well as understanding emerging models and trends in music therapy
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of two years experience in field of expertise Home care experience Experience with geriatric, chronically ill, high risk and/or Veteran population Experience with a Creative Arts Program to include development and implementation of policy and procedure Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements: distant vision 20/40 in one eye with or without correction
• field of vision 70 degrees
• ability to distinguish red, green and amber
• whispered voice at five feet, or average hearing loss of not greater than 40 dbs at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz
• Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely
• Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination
• NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore
• please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package
• If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license.