Child Life Specialist

Job Overview

The Child Life Specialist provides optimal developmental and psychosocially appropriate care for pediatric patients & families within our Inpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology unit. Assess children’s developmental & coping needs & implements developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions such as play, medical play, psychological preparation & rehearsed coping to minimize distress associated with the healthcare environment & to foster resiliency. Supports patients, siblings, and family during the end of life. Collaborates as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop & administer an individualized plan of care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in the field of Child life, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Psychology or related field
• Completion of 600-hour Child life internship
• ACLP exam Eligible
• Child Life Certification (CCLS) required within 1 year of employment

Scheduling Requirements

• Full-Time (35 hours/week)
• Day Shift

Essential Functions

• Advocates for the needs of children and youth by maintaining open communication with other healthcare team members
• Integrates multidisciplinary team goals into the child life program
• Communicates concisely to team members integrating child life theory, research and practice at case conferences, rounds and informally
• Consults with Child Life Manager regarding all situations requiring specific attention or follow-up
• Determines and prioritizes needs, scope and depth of child life service required for each patient
• Establishes and maintains therapeutic relationships with children and families,
• Follows established program structure, policies and procedures of medical center
• Gives lectures within the healthcare setting, adapting approaches to content to the audience
• Always maintains the playroom and all equipment in a clean and sanitary manner
• Seeks the involvement of families in their child’s, child life goals, matching the expectations with family
• Trains and orients volunteers in the Child Life program
• Matches patients’ needs and volunteer’s skills in making assignment
• Uses developmentally appropriate play as a primary tool in assessing and meeting the child’s psychosocial needs in the healthcare setting
• Uses developmentally appropriate and medically accurate teaching aides and techniques in such a way that the knowledge is increased and determines with the healthcare team, realistic and obtainable goals and objectives for patients learning, and who will address these goals
• Writes concisely, objectively, and accurately in the patient’s medical record, documenting developmental and behavioral issues which impact patient care
• Acts as an advocate for families in the health care setting
• Acts as a role model regarding age specific and developmentally appropriate care
• Documents professional assessment in a timely manor
• Educates families regarding children’s responses to healthcare environments, coping, chronic illness, and grief

Benefits and Perks

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retail Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!