Child Life Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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