Child Life Specialist

Area of Interest: Therapy | FTE/Hours per pay period: 1.0 | Department: Child Life – Meth | Shift: Mon‑Fri; 8:00 am‑4:30 pm | Job ID: 186920

Overview

The Child Life Specialist provides individual assessments and age‑appropriate therapeutic interventions for patients and their families. Interventions are designed to minimize stressors associated with the healthcare experience and foster individual patient and family strengths. The specialist participates with the healthcare team, communicates observations and assessments to family and staff, advocates for patients and families using family‑centered care, and serves as a resource on child development and psychosocial issues for parents and healthcare staff.

Responsibilities

• Provides preparation and medical play opportunities with information for patients to help alleviate misconceptions and improve understanding of hospital procedures.
• Maintains a comfortable, clean and safe play space.
• Directs play toward:
  • Normalization of the healthcare experience.
  • Building trusting and non‑threatening relationships with patients and families.
  • Encouraging normal growth and development.
  • Encouraging a positive self‑image.
  • Providing group and individual activities based on patient needs.
• Acts as a resource for parents and staff on child development and healthcare‑related issues.
• Participates with the interdisciplinary team by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care interventions.
• Participates in informal and formal education of staff, students, volunteers, patients, and families.
• Works with volunteers and students to provide supportive programming for children.
• Compiles and records statistical data regarding interventions with patients and volunteer attendance.
• Reports any questions or concerns regarding compliance immediately to department or hospital administrative staff.
• Utilizes a family‑centered approach (considering physical, psych/social, spiritual, educational, safety, and related criteria) appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Manages human, fiscal, and material resources responsibly and accountably.
• Maintains and develops personal and professional skills and knowledge related to the assigned work area.
• Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service by striving to exceed expectations.
• Integrates CORE values and Expectations for Personal and Service Excellence while adhering to UPH‑DM policies and procedures.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities, welcomes feedback, contributes to positive team goals, and prioritizes team success.
• Prioritizes patient and workplace safety by preventing errors, accidents, and infections and reporting concerns promptly.
• Meets business needs of the department through regular, reliable attendance.
• Practices in accordance with HIPAA, DNV, OSHA, and other federal/state regulatory agencies governing healthcare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life or a closely related field.
• Completed a Child Life internship and eligible to sit for the certification exam.

Benefits

• Paid time off and parental leave.
• 401(k) matching.
• Employee recognition program.
• Dental and health insurance.
• Paid holidays.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• Pet insurance.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Adoption assistance.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.