Music Therapist based at Alexandra House, Dovercourt
Job Reference
REQ026479
Date posted
5 February 2026
Closing date
19 February 2026
Location
Harwich, CO12 3JY

Location: Alexandra House, Dovercourt
Hours: 7.5 hours per week
Salary: £42,265 per annum- Pro Rata
About the role
We are looking for a compassionate and skilled Music Therapist to join our specialist team at MHA. This is a unique and rewarding role, delivering high-quality music therapy services that support the emotional, psychological and social wellbeing of older people.
As a Music Therapist, you will provide individual and group music therapy across MHA sites or a specific Service, working with residents to promote self-expression, dignity, choice and quality of life. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, contributing specialist knowledge and supporting the wider use of music within care settings.
What you will do
- Deliver high-quality individual and group music therapy sessions tailored to residents’ needs, including those living with dementia and other physical or mental health conditions.
- Establish and develop open music therapy groups, involving residents, relatives and friends where appropriate.
- Carry out music therapy assessments and develop treatment programmes.
- Maintain accurate clinical notes, statistics and reports in line with MHA Music Therapy policies.
- Work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues, advising on the therapeutic use of music and contributing to case discussions.
- Liaise with residents’ families and carers as appropriate.
- Ensure the safety, wellbeing and dignity of residents during therapy sessions.
- Engage in regular supervision, evaluation and reflective practice to maintain high professional standards.
- Keep up to date with best practice, research and CPD requirements in line with HCPC and BAMT guidance.
- Contribute to service development, projects, outreach work or student placements as required.
About you
We are looking for a reflective, empathetic and professionally qualified Music Therapist.
You will bring:
- A Postgraduate Diploma or MA in Music Therapy.
- Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Strong musical skills, including competence on a grounding harmonic instrument and a willingness to develop suitable repertoire.
- The ability to provide flexible, person-centred music therapy for older people, including those living with dementia.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work sensitively with residents, families and professionals.
- Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage a caseload and prioritise work effectively.
- A commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding and ethical practice.
- A flexible approach, including occasional travel, additional duties or overnight stays when required.
- Registration with BAMT and experience working in care or nursing home settings are desirable.
Why join MHA?
You will be joining an organisation with strong values and a deep commitment to caring for the whole person. At MHA, music therapy is recognised as a powerful way to enhance wellbeing, connection and quality of life for older people.
Our music therapy service was featured in the BBC TV programme Our Dementia Choir and was consulted on for the delicate storyline of dementia on the ITV programme Emmerdale.
Rewards and benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time)
- A strong pension scheme and life assurance
- Support with professional fees and CPD where appropriate
- Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund
- Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies
- Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app
- A full induction, ongoing training and development opportunities
- Long service awards to celebrate your contribution
About the service/s
Alexandra House care home in Harwich
Alexandra House provides a supportive and compassionate working environment for colleagues who want to make a positive impact every day. Set in beautiful grounds with sea views, the home combines a peaceful setting with a strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose.
Colleagues describe the home as friendly, inclusive and grounded in MHA’s mission to improve later life. With a focus on dignity, independence and person-centred care, the team works closely together to create meaningful moments for residents.
For job seekers looking for a role where they can grow, Alexandra House offers opportunities to develop confidence, build specialist dementia experience and be part of a community that values empathy, collaboration and kindness.
For more information about the home, please click here
Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.
Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA’s Recruitment Team.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
MHA are fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as this is embedded in our values: respect, nurture and inspire. In addition, as a committed employer we have been awarded level 2 under the Disability Confident Scheme.
More about our EDI commitmentsPlease note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.
Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA’s Talent Acquisition Team.
Not right for you?