Child Life Therapist (SKMC)

Job Description

The Child Life Therapist is responsible for supporting the emotional, developmental, psychosocial, and educational needs of infants, children, adolescents, and their families during hospitalization, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other healthcare experiences. The role aims to reduce anxiety, promote effective coping, normalize the healthcare environment through therapeutic play, and enhance the overall patient and family experience.

The Child Life Therapist is responsible for supporting the emotional, developmental, psychosocial, and educational needs of infants, children, adolescents, and their families during hospitalization, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other healthcare experiences. The role aims to reduce anxiety, promote effective coping, normalize the healthcare environment through therapeutic play, and enhance the overall patient experience.

The Child Life Therapist works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide family-centered care and improve clinical outcomes for pediatric patients.

• Conduct psychosocial and developmental assessments of pediatric patients.
• Develop individualized care plans to address emotional and developmental needs.
• Prepare children and families for medical procedures, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and hospitalization using age-appropriate education.
• Provide therapeutic play interventions to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Facilitate medical play activities to improve understanding of healthcare experiences.
• Assist children in developing effective coping strategies during treatment and recovery.
• Support children with chronic illnesses, disabilities, trauma, and complex medical conditions.

• Provide emotional support and guidance to families and caregivers.
• Educate parents regarding child development and coping techniques.
• Facilitate sibling support and family-centered interventions.
• Assist families during difficult situations, including critical illness, end-of-life care, and bereavement.

• Coordinate recreational and developmental activities within pediatric units.
• Promote a child-friendly healthcare environment.
• Advocate for the psychosocial needs of pediatric patients.
• Participate in initiatives that improve patient satisfaction and family experience.

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists.
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and case discussions.
• Document patient assessments, interventions, and progress in the electronic medical record.

• Educate healthcare staff regarding child development and therapeutic communication.
• Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist in developing policies and procedures related to pediatric psychosocial care.
• Support research, audits, and accreditation activities as required.

• Minimum 2-5 years of experience working with children in a healthcare, pediatric rehabilitation, educational, or child development setting.

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)

Abu Dhabi Healthcare Company (SEHA) is the largest and most comprehensive healthcare network in the UAE that was established in 2007 with the objective of operating all public hospitals and clinics across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. SEHA is committed to delivering world-class healthcare services using the most advanced diagnostics and systems across its network of public healthcare centers and hospitals in addition to partnering with global leaders in healthcare, including world renowned organizations such as the Mayo Clinic.

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) is a flagship tertiary hospital in the UAE and the largest teaching medical center in Abu Dhabi. The hospital has pioneered multiple innovative medical technologies locally and regionally, establishing itself as a market leader and setting new benchmarks for the sector. Major achievements include; the first Transplant Center in the UAE and the sole provider of paediatric transplant services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest Cardiac Science program for paediatrics and adults and the only Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Program in Abu Dhabi, the first accredited Chest Pain Center in the region and outside the United States.

SKMC is committed to providing exceptional and comprehensive adult surgical and medical services in its inpatient and outpatient facilities. SKMC also manages a Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory (BSL3) and a 125-bed Behavioural Sciences Pavilion, the largest mental care facility that provides adults and paediatrics services.