Call for Musician at the National Children’s Hospital

The National Centre for Arts and Health (NCAH) at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is inviting musicians to tender for the role of Musician at the National Children’s Hospital (NCH). The deadline for applications is 20 May 2018 at 5pm. 

The project, entitled ‘Soothing Songs’, requires a professional musician with a specific interest in children’s healthcare to provide weekly ‘Soothing Songs’ sessions for children at the bedside in the paediatric unit at the NCH, TUH for the duration of 20 weeks.

Funding has been made available by the HSE and we wish to engage a musician on a contractual basis for 1.5hrs for 20 weeks (the role can be split into two terms of 10 weeks with a break).

Background to the project

‘Soothing Songs’ – Music & Health at the National Children’s Hospital will build on the very successful project Music for Babies. The project will be directed towards patients, guardians and visitors, including patients who cannot leave the bed area to attend arts in central locations of the hospital or other venues.

Proposed Role

• The emphasis of this role is on delivery of high quality music sessions to children.
• The musician would be contracted to provide 20 weekly, 1.5hrs bedside music sessions with children, in NCH, TUH.
• The musician would submit an invoice to the NCAH every month
• The musician must provide a tax clearance certificate.
• The musician must have their own public indemnity insurance.
• The musician must have Garda clearance and references in place before starting their sessions in TUH (these will be processed by the hospital).
• The musician would be a member of the NCAH team and report to the Arts Manager.
• The musician would attend training such as fire, manual handling, child protection within paid hours.
• At the end of the 20 weeks, the musician is required to complete and submit a report assignment to the NCAH outlining their project. This report must include an evaluation of the programme, testimonials from staff/parents.

Expected benefits / outcomes of the service / project

• Soothing and calming effects for patients
• Reduction in stress for patients & families
• Enhanced feelings of wellbeing
• Increased social interaction
• Positive effects for staff caring for patients
• Fostering a positive aesthetic environment

Person specification

Essential:

• Degree in music
• Experience working with children
• Experience in arts and healthcare contexts

Desirable:

• Other relevant healthcare related qualification
• Experience working with children in hospital
• Experience working in an acute hospital

If you wish to apply please submit the following:

• CV with references
• Brief proposal of how you would organise the work (e.g. availability days/times, start date.) Schedule will crossover with National Children’s Hospital staff.

Further information 

For further information and to apply for this position, please email Alison Baker Kerrigan at NCAH alison.baker@amnch.ie