Child Life Specialist - Full Time

About the Role

Fulfill position functions and responsibilities necessary for ethical and efficacious programming of child life services. Plan developmentally-appropriate individual and group clinical sessions to meet resident-specific goals, and provide developmentally-appropriate procedural support and preparation. Function as an integral part of the creative arts therapy and child life team and neighborhood-based interdisciplinary team to promote quality family-centered care.

Responsibilities

• Understand and promote Elizabeth Seton Children’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure application with organizational policies and procedures.
• Provide a full range of child life clinical services (caseloads, procedural support, clinic visits, family support, etc.) with approximately 20 client-contact hours per week.
• Provide procedural support and logistical assistance for in-house clinics, medical procedures, and ADLs as indicated to meet resident needs.
• Provide developmentally-appropriate preparation and education for procedures, and procedural support for external appointments.
• Screen newly admitted residents to determine appropriateness for child life assessment and communicate findings to the team.
• Communicate referrals to the child life team and conduct initial child life assessments for referred residents who are prioritized for services.
• Assure accurate physician’s orders for all residents on caseload and consistently fulfill orders.
• Conduct individual and group clinical sessions with child-centered, measurable goals.
• Participate in Plan of Care meetings to discuss clinical goals and progress.
• Maintain standard data-gathering techniques during all phases of clinical processing, including assessment, therapy, and evaluation.
• Adhere to established clinical documentation standards in a timely fashion.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to provide the highest quality of care.
• Advocate for families and serve as a role model of family-centered care.
• Communicate with relevant child life staff in acute care settings to provide continuity of care when children are transferred.
• Provide clinical support to residents and families around times of crisis and transition (including sibling support, palliative and end-of-life care, discharge preparation, etc.).
• Provide complementary therapies as trained, when appropriate (e.g., Reiki, massage, Acutonics).
• Participate in interviewing, selecting, and orienting child life interns.
• Participate in the supervision and training of child life interns and practicum students.
• Represent the CAT CL department on one assigned neighborhood by attending clinical status meetings, maintaining interdisciplinary communication, and participating in neighborhood-based initiatives and special events.
• Participate in providing child life orientation, in-services, and educational opportunities for ESPC staff.
• Actively participate in pertinent ESPC committees and Business Plan teams (e.g., Family Advisory Council, palliative care committee, etc.).
• Assist with planning and implementation of department-led special events (e.g., Family Portrait Day).
• Comply with applicable federal and/or state laws, regulations, and agency rules.
• Adhere to CLC Standards of Clinical Practice and Code of Ethical Responsibility.
• Engage in ongoing continuing education opportunities consistent with professional standards.
• Maintain departmental supplies and demonstrate appropriate care of departmental materials.
• Requisition supplies with the approval of the supervisor.
• Adhere to a resident-focused schedule of hours and use appropriate procedures for requesting time off.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Child Life, Child Development, Special Education, or a closely related field.
• Certification in Child Life required.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of professional experience in a clinical pediatric setting.
• Internship or fellowship in child life.
• Clinical or volunteer experience with children with multiply handicapped and medically fragile children preferred.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language fluently.
• Must meet or exceed all health standards and requirements for the position as established by NYDOH and all other regulatory agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this Center, which includes a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of thirty-five (35) pounds.
• Perform tasks that may involve exposure to the resident’s blood/body fluids.
• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents, if necessary.

Working Conditions

• Work in a well-lighted and ventilated area.
• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• May be asked to work beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.

Pay

$64,000/Yr to $70,000/Yr