Child Life Specialist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

Educates, prepares and supports infants, children, adolescents and their families through difficult tests, procedures and the sometimes-drastic changes that happen within their families due to chronic or acute illness, treatment and recovery. Provides a comprehensive program of services for emotional and developmental support to minimize the stress of illness/hospitalization. Advocate for the special needs of children and their families.

Bachelor's degree in Human/Child Development, Psychology, Education or related field is required. 

Master's degree in Human/Child Development, Psychology, Education or related field is preferred.

1 year of experience working with children and families in a clinical or education setting is required. Clinical experience towards a Master’s program will count towards required experience. 

Association of Child Life Specialist (ACLP) certification is preferred.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Provides excellent customer service skills through telephone, personal and/or written communication.

Demonstrates strong critical thinking, diplomacy, problem-solving and multi-tasking skills.

Demonstrates competence in computer systems and applications required for the role.

Able to perform high quality patient care and provide services within the scope of practice.

Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates an emotionally supportive program involving relationship building and other appropriate developmental interventions utilizing patient assessment, rounding, medical record documentation, and interdisciplinary meetings to help patients deal with the issues, stresses and trauma of hospitalization.

Communicates relevant information and provision of services through documentation in patients' medical records.

Screens, plans, and coordinates appropriate persons, groups and organizations to provide donations and special services for patients/families.

Serves as resource for, coordinates, and provides leadership in implementation of pediatric focused programs throughout organization.

Works in collaboration with manager to assess and implement new programs, services, and budgetary considerations  to meet identified needs.

Demonstrates appropriate time management organizational skills and flexibility when scheduling, treating, and developing plan of care and when delegating duties to staff and students.

Ensures age appropriate educational material related to perioperative services is developed and accessible to the pediatric patients/family unit.

Acts as an advocate for patients by collaborating with others to provide quality of care to patients.

Establishes comfortable relationships with families and encourages effective use of programs and resources.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Allied Health

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs

Carrying

X

50 lbs

Pushing

X

50 lbs

Pulling

X

50 lbs

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other