Child Life Assistant

About the role

This Child Life position will be serving our inpatient medical/surgical unit and working with patients from birth to 21 years of age at Banner University Medical Center Tucson. The pediatric service line consists of 32 beds General Pediatric Unit, 24 beds Pediatric ICU, and 22 beds Inpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit. Diamond Children's offers a bright, healing environment where children feel safe while receiving the advanced care they need from the pediatric specialty physicians and researchers of the University of Arizona Steele Children's Research Center, as well as community pediatric physicians.

Responsibilities

• Trains and supervises volunteers, including university students completing volunteer hours as part of their course of study surrounding child development, pediatric nursing, etc. Includes orientation, supervision and recognition of volunteers of all ages, providing training specific to the needs of the hospitalized child, ensuring a safe environment for pediatric patients, and effective use of volunteer time. Also encompasses networking with community groups and organizations to nurture relationships and draw volunteer talent.
• Monitors and maintains safe, organized, and clean playroom, toys, and other materials used to provide activities for children. Includes following infection control policies and procedures to maintain regulatory standards, and teaching these procedures to volunteers. Knowledgeable about isolation practices and educates volunteers and visitors about these practices and the reasons for them.
• Assists in planning and conducting group activities in the playroom and individual activities in the patient's room. Activities must be tailored to the specific developmental needs of hospitalized children.
• Interacts with potential donor groups regarding the needs of hospitalized children, the children's medical center, and how they can help. Provides tours, receives donations, determines appropriateness and prepares for use. Professionally acknowledges all donations.
• Assists with detailed planning of events, hosts and monitors visits from entertainers, community groups, or others interested in helping our patients. Assists with the maintenance of patient confidentiality and safety throughout these visits.
• Provides education to community groups wishing to learn about the developmental needs of hospitalized patients.
• Provides assistance to nursing staff with high need patients. Assesses needs of hospitalized children, and communicates in a developmentally appropriate manner. Interactions with children and families reflect an understanding of growth and development, family centered care, and of the potential stress associated with illness, injury and the health care experience.
• Knowledgeable about available resources and provides assistance with coping through identification and use of these resources.
• Although based in pediatrics, incumbents may be called to serve in any area of the hospital where there are children, including emergency services areas, surgery and waiting areas for the adult units. The position will serve on facility.

Requirements

• Knowledge normally associated with completion of an Associate's Degree or equivalent in a related area.
• Skills and abilities typically gained through 1 year of experience in working with children.
• Must demonstrate responsibility, flexibility, and sensitivity to children.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is a requirement of the job.

Preferred qualifications

• Hospital pediatric experience, special education or experience working with developmentally disabled children is highly desirable.
• A Bachelor's Degree in a related area is preferred.
• Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

Schedule

Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:00pm