Child Life Resident, Summer 2027

About the Role

Responsible for supervised involvement in the planning and implementation of a developmentally and emotionally supportive program for children and adolescents. The student will be expected to incorporate play, emotional support, health care education, and family involvement to enhance the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being of children and families in the health care setting.

Responsibilities

• Patient/Family Assessment and Interdisciplinary Care: Accurately assesses, individualizes, and evaluates the plan of care based on family/patient physical, developmental, emotional, and recreational needs. Communicates the plan to interdisciplinary team members and family. Collaborates with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to provide optimal care and services. Coordinates care with department co-workers, including Child Activity Coordinators, Creative Art Therapists, and Teachers.
• Clinical Interventions: Provides developmentally appropriate education, procedural preparation, and support to infants, preschoolers, children, and adolescents as it relates to their illness and medical treatment. Assists patients and family members in coping with the stresses associated with health care experiences. Plans and implements developmentally appropriate individual and/or group activities to promote self-awareness, self-expression, understanding, development, normalization, and mastery. Recognizes and addresses the importance of play and recreation in facilitating the child’s mastery and coping with the health care experience. Provides a safe, developmentally appropriate environment and/or materials for patients and families.
• Family-Centered Care: Delivers child life services founded on the principles of Family-Centered Care: Dignity and Respect, Participation, Collaboration, and Information Sharing. Seeks involvement and support of family members in their child’s plan of care, matching expectations with family needs and values. Advocates for opportunities for parents/caregivers to maintain their caregiver role.
• Documentation: Attends documentation in-service and demonstrates compliance with patient care documentation standards per departmental policy. Participates in departmental data collection, as directed.
• Professional Development: Provides training and supervision for volunteers. Attends formal weekly in-service trainings throughout the semester/year. Completes assignments as outlined by the student program coordinator and/or student manual.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED (Required)
• Bachelor's Degree (Preferred)

Skills

• Completed academic coursework requirements as outlined by the Association of Child Life Professionals.
• Baseline knowledge of infant, child, and adolescent growth and development.
• Ability to perform work duties with support and guidance of supervisor, internship coordinator, and other Child Life staff.
• Demonstrates customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to articulate factors influencing coping, as well as prioritize and complete duties in a timely and organized manner.
• Works collaboratively and in a positive manner with others.
• Ability to set goals and judge results in accordance with the highest standards.
• Provides care with sensitivity and respect.

Pay

Salary Range: $10.00 - $22.50 Hourly. Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If working part-time, pay will be adjusted accordingly. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the noted salary range.