Certified Child Life Specialist

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The UHealth System at the University of Miami has an exciting opportunity for a full time Certified Child Life Specialist to support our Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Sign -On Bonus: $5,000

The Certified Child Life Specialist facilitates the design and implementation of pediatric programs, therapies, and activities among young patients. Additionally, the incumbent supports and nurtures children and their families through the emotional and physical aspects of hospitalization. Moreover, the Child Life Specialist works with families to assist in caring for childhood hospitalizations or disabilities, and monitors child development to ensure normal progression. The Child Life Specialist also provides in-depth care for the more urgent cases. The child Life Specialist reports to the Executive Director Social Services.

• Formulates and revises child life patient care plans to develop appropriate strategies for child life care in conjunction with other health team members.

• Helps young patients and their families cope with medical conditions and the worries of being hospitalized.

• Provides developmental, educational, and therapeutic interventions for children and families under stress.

• Supports children through difficult medical circumstances and strives to provide some sense of normalcy.

• Maintains apprised of each child’s condition and treatment regimen to keep their families informed.

• Develops, implements, and evaluates child life care plans and programs to encourage optimum growth and development of children and adolescents, and facilitate functional family interactions.

• Maintains an age-appropriate supply of therapeutic play materials and evaluates equipment and supply needs.

• Provides interdisciplinary in-service education on child development and the impact of illness, injury, and healthcare on patients and their families.

• Supports growth and development while recognizing family strengths and individuality and respecting different methods of coping.

• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Core Qualifications:                                                                                        

Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Certification and Licensing:

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.

• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.

• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.

• Commitment to the University’s core values.

• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

• Proficiency in computer software (i.e. Microsoft Office).

DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM

Department Specific Functions

• Provide a comprehensive depiction of the pediatric surgery process from registration through recovery.

• Utilize dolls or toys to explain staff roles.

• Identify a comfortable, private space for conversations with families, especially during emotional breakdowns.

• Offer snacks and games in pediatric waiting areas.

• Provide visual aids of children walking through a clinic visit or surgery

• Provide tour and help facilitate clinic visits and the surgery process.

• Serve as liaison to perioperative and anesthesia team.

• Advocate for autistic children, especially if they do not respond to visual cues.

• Provides age-appropriate therapeutic assessment and interventions Establish therapeutic relationship with parents to alleviate anxiety and training to understand a child’s disability.

• Provide training to staff on how to interact with and accommodate autistic children, those with emotional disorders or multiple sensory disabilities.

• Develop medical play for low vision/visually impaired children.

• Assist with referrals for mental health services for parents, patients, and siblings.

• Provides timely documentation and reporting.

Department Specific Qualifications                                                                 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required, Masters’ degree preferred

Experience:

• Bilingual Spanish language fluency preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Knowledge and understanding of growth and development theories of play, family dynamics, and development assessment

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (degree will be verified)

• Manual Dexterity & Mobility

• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years' experience preferred

#LI-CM1

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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