Child Life Specialist

Job ID:

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

The Child Life Specialist works under the supervision of leadership and the child life team to assist the child/family in their adjustment to the hospital, diagnosis, and treatment plan. This is an entry level Child Life Specialist role with entry level experience and knowledge of procedures, illnesses, injuries and other related events on the unit. The individual will require training and ongoing support and/or supervision for more advanced procedures or events. Uses basic understanding of child life theories to perform daily job responsibilities while working closely with Child Life Specialists II and/or Child Life Specialist III to develop skills. Provides pre/post procedural teachings, emotional/psychosocial support, developmentally appropriate play activities, distraction and support during procedures, and age appropriate medical play to enhance understanding of the hospital environment. Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to create and support individualized plans of care while adhering to the professional standards of practice of the Association of Child Life Professionals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

- Assesses and interacts with patients and families using theories of Child Life, child development, family systems and cultural background. Provides appropriate care based on the needs of the specific individual, including age.
- Provides competent child life services to patients and family members, including developmentally-appropriate therapeutic activities, education, procedural preparation, coping facilitation, and support as it relates to their illness and medical treatment. Utilizes a clinical decision-making process and critical thinking to effectively deliver patient care.
- Establishes family-centered plan of care with patient/family input and prioritizes he delivery of patient/family care
- Assists the patient/family in their adjustment to the hospital, diagnosis, and/or treatment plan.
- Establishes and maintains a healthy, balanced, and therapeutic relationship with the patient and family.
- Assesses, individualizes, and evaluates plan of care based on family/patient physical, developmental, emotional, and recreational needs requiring occasional guidance, while applying the theoretical knowledge base of child development.
- Provides developmentally appropriate medical play, for individual and small group support.
- Identifies patient/family learning needs, readiness to learn and choices. Meets patient/family needs by using appropriate internal/external educational resources. Recognizes and respects consequences of patient/family decisions.
- Identifies any barriers to teaching (such as cognitive ability, linguistic or sensory deficits).
- Interacts in a cooperative manner within the healthcare team to support and contribute to the care goals. Professionally communicates plan to multidisciplinary team members and family.
- Collaborates with patients, families, volunteers and multidisciplinary team members to provide optimal care and services.
- Participates in team meetings and/or discussions regarding patient care and/or practice issues.
- Demonstrates compliance with patient care documentation standards, providing support to newer staff regarding documentation practices as needed.
- Supports a productive work environment for students once the minimum standard of hours is achieved as set forth by the Association of Child Life Professionals.
- Interviews, orients, trains, supervises and evaluates child life students and volunteers.
- Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with fellow employees, patients, families, and the public.
- Effectively and efficiently balances the clinical responsibilities, professional growth, and development opportunities through active participation in the Child Life Clinical Advancement Ladder.
- Provides ideas/topics for research and performance improvement studies. Participates in data collection.
- Performs other work related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development or a directly related field in the Behavioral Sciences or Human Development.

Experience: Successful completion of Child Life Internship that meets the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) requirement of Clinical Child Life Certification.

License/Certification:

• Basic Life Support by American Heart Association (AHA)
• or
• RQI Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support
• Certified Child Life Specialist by Association of Child Life Professionals within 365 days of hire

KNOWLEDGE

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

* Demonstrates good organizational skills and effective communication skills, flexibility, and a proven understanding of child development.
* Demonstrates ability to work well with children of all ages.
* Demonstrates ability to be a team member across multiple professional disciplines.
* Demonstrates ability to work independently and a willingness to learn hospital routines, policies and procedures.
* Demonstrates understanding and ability to show respect and appreciation for others and their uniqueness; remaining curious and appreciating cultural differences.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information

Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.
Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $36.62 to $45.77