Child Life Specialist

About Us

Good Shepherd Community Care is one of the most trusted health care organizations in Greater Boston focusing on hospice and palliative care. Founded as Hospice of the Good Shepherd in 1978, we are the original Massachusetts hospice. After decades of caring for our community, we continue to remain an independent, not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization. We believe in the importance of mutual respect and acceptance and value diversity in our patients, families and caregivers, employees, volunteers, community, and partner organizations. We are committed to these values and honor the dignity of each individual through the care, support and education we provide.

Our team members benefit from a collaborative work environment in a welcoming office, easily accessible to I-95, with on-site parking in Newton.

Responsibilities

• Practices primarily in pediatric palliative care (Pedi Pal) with some hospice coverage as needed.
• Provides emotional support for families and encourages optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization.
• Chooses materials and interventions appropriate to patient/family needs and designs sessions to achieve therapeutic goals and objectives.
• Applies effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities.
• Assists in the implementation of programmatic events for Pedi Pal families and/or Pedi Pal interdisciplinary team members, in collaboration with the Pedi Pal Program Manager.
• Works within the Family Engagement Workgroup to encourage families to take an active role in the Pedi Pal program.

Travel is required for this position. Care is provided in patients’ private homes and residential facilities throughout Greater Boston and parts of Metrowest.

Requirements

• Master's degree with related coursework in Childhood Development preferred.
• Certification in Child Life strongly preferred.
• Experience with pediatric patients and families with life-limiting and terminal illness required.
• Experience with home visits preferred.
• Ability to work well with an interdisciplinary team.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience with electronic medical records preferred.

Schedule

Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Four weeks paid time off in first year, increasing with tenure
• 12 paid holidays
• Health, dental, and vision insurance: coverage begins as of your start date
• Life insurance
• 403(b) with company match
• Flexible Spending Account
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Partnership with Regis College for reduced tuition rates

Pay

$58,000-$65,000: This number reflects an average starting range for this position. Individual pay is determined through a variety of factors including experience, education, certifications, and skills and can exceed the range.