Job Abstract

Job Overview:

Plans, organizes and implements all Child Life programs for infants not neonates, pediatric and adolescent patients who are hospitalized and/or seen in the outpatient setting with acute and chronic medical and surgical conditions. Performs Child Life oriented screening/assessment tools and provides preparation/therapeutic interventions, meeting the developmental, emotional, social and educational needs of all pediatric patients. Designs and carries out care plans, provides patient and family education, medical play and child-specific educational in-services to hospital staff and, on an ongoing basis, documents patient status. Responsible for supervision of volunteers and students. Works with infants, neonates, pediatrics, adolescent patients and their family members. Is responsible for reporting identified safety issues such as hazardous environments (i.e. damaged floors/walls/ceiling tiles/unsecured areas) and medical errors, etc.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master's Degree with a Child Life Certificate, or
• Bachelor's degree and qualified to take the exam
• Academic Preparation at Bachelor's level with experience in Health Care setting

Preferred:

• 1 year experience in a Child Life Program setting
• Coursework in Child Life, Human Development, Family Dynamics, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Therapeutic Recreation, and/or Expressive Therapies
• Clinical Internship experience preferred

Scheduling Requirements:

• Day shift
• 8 hours per week

Essential Functions:

• Assigns patients appropriately to work with volunteers/students. Gives precise direction/supervision to same regarding patient's status/precautions and level of activity. Assists with orientation, provides feedback in a timely/constructive manner. Prepares evaluations; maintains records when appropriate.
• Attends at least one continuing education course per year and provides follow-up inservice to appropriate professional staff. Attends all required departmental inservices. Completes required competencies. Maintains CPR certification.
• Demonstrates effective use of standardized tests/screenings and play therapy techniques when teaching/assessing the child’s ability to cope emotionally, socially, intellectually, and physically to the stressors of hospitalization, illness, procedure/surgery. Collaborates with parents to provide clarification of hospital procedures and reinforce treatment plans.
• Maintains patient care documentation according to departmental policy, JCAHO and ASHA standards. Meets/plans with nursing daily to obtain a daily report. Acts as an advocate of child/family through meetings and daily discussion with the medical team.
• Plans treatment according to identified problems and establishes short- and long-term goals that are observable, measurable and with specific timeframes. Implements play/ treatment plan in a developmentally appropriate, correct, safe and timely manner. Observe and monitor precautions and contraindications. Varies treatment plan as patient status changes.
• Provides direct patient care 75% of the working day. Maintains a safe, orderly, clean playroom/office space. Responsible for reordering, maintaining and disinfecting, toys, supplies, etc.