Child Life Specialist

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JOB SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of Manager/Director, the Child Life Specialist is responsible for supporting infants, children, youth, and families by providing evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and education to reduce fear, anxiety and pain.


Mid Shift *$10,000 Sign on Bonus with 2-year agreement*

JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct Patient Care- Applies formal and informal techniques to assess developmental level and emotional state. Applies the cyclical process of assessment, plan, intervention, and evaluation of services to keep assessments accurate and up to date. Prioritizes child life services based on susceptibility to stress and trauma. Effectively collaborates with members of the service team to
create a collaborative plan of care. Identifies therapeutic approaches that facilitate open-ended, developmentally supportive play and expressive arts.

• Family Assessment and Support- Utilizes effective communication skills in the process of supporting children and families and uses creative modalities to meet individual developmental and emotional needs. Supports the central role of the family, valuing strengths and needs in implementing child life services. Builds trust and rapport with infants, children, youth, and families and demonstrates respect for sociocultural diversity. Maintains professional boundaries to preserve the therapeutic relationship.
• Professional Development/Responsibility- Implements a plan for professional development based on the needs of the population served and the knowledge and skill level of the child life specialist. Includes evidence-based practice in decisions about assessment, care, and evaluation. Identifies/participates in resources and opportunities for professional development (ex: Annual Child Life Conference, Texas Child Life Conference, or other events within the child life field. Assists Child Life Coordinator in developing and continually updating policies and procedures as needed. Assists Coordinator in developing methods to improve patient outcomes.

• Community Education- Provides in-services about child life services to other departments throughout the hospital. Provides child life education to agencies or institutions outside of the hospital. Educates and supervises child life volunteers and assists Coordinator in education and supervision of practicum students.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or a closely related field

• Minimum completion of the child life clinical training requirements (e.g., internship) in accordance with the guidelines established by the Association of Child Life Professionals

Details at https://www.childlife.org/certification/become-certified

REQUIRED LICENSURES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS:

• Completion of the Child Life Professional Certification Examination administered by the Child Life Certification Commission within 6 months of hire.
• CPR Certification


SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to assess and prioritize psychosocial acuity of each patient and establish a plan of care in collaboration with the medical team to meet patient/family psychosocial needs.
• Ability to educate patients/family members regarding illness/condition, treatment, and coping techniques.
• Ability to support family-centered care through communication and involvement of parents and other family members.
• Ability to educate and assist in the clinical training of child life students as assigned by the Child Life Coordinator.
• Ability to assist with orientation, scheduling, and supervision of child life volunteers.


INTERACTION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS:

Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, integrating goals and plans to promote optimal patient care that is family-centered and developmentally appropriate.


PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:

Work may frequently require standing, walking, lifting, and transporting of supplies. Work is of medium demand. Speaking and hearing to converse with staff members, are required. Adequate hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills are required. Near visual acuity is required to work with charts and records.


ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in well-lighted, heated, ventilated building. Hours may vary to accommodate needs in the department. Exposure to blood borne pathogens is of low risk. May be required to work in areas other than primary assignment.

UMC Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

*Request for accommodations in the hire process should be directed to UMC Human Resources.​*