Child Life Specialist - 25 hrs per week
JOB DESCRIPTION
$1,500 Hiring Bonus, relocation pay and tuition reimbursement pay!
Schedule: Tues, Wed, Thur 8 am - 4:45 pm
Children's Specialty Pediatric Clinics
We are currently searching for a Child Life Specialist for our Child Life and Healing Environment department. As a Child Life Specialist you will provide therapeutic, educational and recreational programs for patients. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities which promote normal growth and development, and support the psycho-social needs of patients and their families throughout the course of their testing/treatment or hospitalization.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Provides preparation and support to patients undergoing medical procedures and treatments through pre-procedural teaching and assesses coping skills and adjustment to hospitalization, surgery and/or chronic illness on a daily basis.
- Uses formal and informal assessment techniques to accurately determine patient’s developmental and emotional states.
- Uses developmentally appropriate and medically accurate teaching aids and techniques to increase knowledge and support emotional needs.
- Advocates for the needs of patients and families by communicating important information with the appropriate health care professionals.
- Writes concise, objective, and accurate clinical notes, documenting pertinent information.
- Facilitates interaction with patients, siblings, and parents.
- Recognizes and addresses the importance of therapeutic play in facilitating child’s mastery of and coping with the health care experience.
- Incorporates family’s involvement into their child’s care, identifies family needs and views.
- Communicates with patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems and cultural background.
- Actively advocates patient needs to medical team members and ancillary services. Seeks appropriate/alternative approaches to care which may minimize the impact of the healthcare experience.
- Communicates concisely with other professionals, integrating theory and evidence based practice to obtain and share pertinent information.
- Demonstrates respect for the viewpoints of other professionals.
- Coordinates child life services with families and professionals.
- Promotes child life within own department/area using creative ways and approaches with staff and families.
- Coordinates and participates in educational programs that explain Child Life Services.
- Actively participates in the General orientation of CHS new hires.
- Coordinates school re-entry programs or support groups as needed.
- Actively involved in providing a safe learning environment for our intern and practicum students.
- Participates in the volunteer program and assists in modifying the process as needed.
- Coordinates outreach programs, pre-op preparation education and/or support groups.
- Recognizes verbal and nonverbal cues and adapts teaching accordingly.
- Assesses knowledge, misconceptions, previous experiences and unique socio- cultural learning needs.
- Provides educational information to various groups within the hospital and community when relevant.
- Maintains play area in a safe, orderly, and child friendly condition and ensures that toys are appropriately cleaned and kept in good condition.
- Follows Infection Control and safety procedures and policies.
- Maintains playroom in a safe and orderly manner.
- Toys are maintained and cleaned using appropriate cleaning materials.
- Assures availability of toys for various age ranges and developmental levels.
- Maintains current knowledge regarding development, trends, and techniques in Child Life.
- Incorporates Child Life trends and best practices into care delivery.
- Identifies resources and opportunities for professional development.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Requires experience with healthy children and hospitalized children generally acquired through field experience and a Child Life internship which meets the standards set by the Child Life Council.
- Possesses interpersonal skills which enable the individual to establish professional rapport with patients and families, and possesses assertive skills necessary to advocate effectively for patients and families.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field required.
- Successfully completed an internship which meets the standards set by the Child Life Council (required for Certification).
- Previous experience in a hospital setting as a Child Life Specialist preferred.
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
- Current and valid Child Life Certification must be obtained within two years of hire date if not currently certified.
- Current and valid Child Life Certification must be maintained at all times once acquired.
- Basic Life Support Certification required within 6 months of hire