Child Life Specialist

Job Summary

Works under the supervision of leadership and Child Life team to assist the child and / or family in their adjustment to hospital, diagnosis, and / or treatment plan by providing pre / post procedural / surgical teachings, emotional support, developmentally appropriate play activities, distraction and support during painful procedures, and medical play to enhance understanding. Collaborates as a member of the interdisciplinary team to develop and administer an individualized plan of care, adhering to the professional standards of practice of the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Job Specific Duties

• Assists the patient / family in their adjustment to the hospital, diagnosis, and / or treatment plan.
• Provides educational interventions using developmentally appropriate explanations.
• Offers emotional support, developmentally appropriate play activities, distraction and support during painful procedures, and engages in medical play to enhance patient understanding.
• Provides Child Life assessments and normalizes the hospital environment for patients and families.
• Covers caseload thoroughly and prioritizes patients based on the Association of Child Life Professional’s guidelines for the standard of care; plans & organizes daily routine; meets deadlines for assigned projects.
• Develops a productive work environment that incorporates volunteers into daily programming through delegating, valuing input, empowering, and providing feedback.
• Establishes and maintains a healthy, balanced, and therapeutic relationship with the patient and family within the integrated healthcare system based on their needs.
• Identifies & addresses the learning needs for patients / families; identifies inhibitors to learning process & readiness to learn; adjusts teaching strategies based on age, ethnic & gender issues.
• Interacts in a cooperative manner within the healthcare team to support and contribute to the shared patient / family focused care goals through professional communications techniques.
• Utilizes a clinical decision-making process and critical thinking to effectively deliver patient care with all healthcare providers across the continuum of care.
• Utilizes clinical decision making processes to achieve desired patient / family outcomes.
• Conducts formal and informal developmental assessments of psychosocial needs of patients and families within 24 hours of consult.
• Serves as backup preceptor for practicum students and intern students once hours set by the Association of Child Life Professionals and competencies are met.
• Serves as unit preceptor for new hires within the Child Life department if competencies are met.
• Provides support and collaborates professionally with Child Life Activity Assistants.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field
• CCLS - Certified ChildLife Specialist required within 1 year of hire
• American Heart Association AED - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• Completion of Child Life internship following the Association of Child Life Professionals current standards (if candidate has validated Certification from the ACLP, then this requirement will be waived)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General skills to resolve problems requiring the use of child developmental theory, professional child life principles and experience- based knowledge.
• Basic knowledge of procedures, illnesses, injuries, and other related events on a nursing unit.
• Able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide appropriate care to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.
• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate when delivering Child Life services.
• Well-developed writing skills, and excellent communication skills including conflict resolution to effectively work as a team member.