Child Life Specialist - Galveston

Education & Experience

• Minimum Qualifications:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field
• Preferred Qualifications:
  
  Master’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in a healthcare setting

Licenses, Registrations or Certifications

• Required:
  
  Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or ability to obtain within one year of hire

Job Description

Function: To provide evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children and youth (Association of Child Life Professionals, 2018)

Essential Job Functions

• Commitments to Child Life philosophies, policies and guidelines in supporting and planning programs for families of chronically ill and hospitalized children.
• Assess and prioritize patient/family needs for child life intervention.
• Support patients and family members in coping with the stresses associated with the health care experience.
• Provide opportunities for and facilitate a variety of group and individual play recreation and activities that promote development, self-expression, and mastery.
• Evaluate emotional, social, mental and physical condition of referred patients utilizing therapeutic interventions and assessments.
• Support family-centered care through communication and involvement of parents and other family members.
• Provide education regarding illness/condition, treatment, and coping techniques to patients, family members, and the larger community as appropriate.
• Function and consult as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, integrating goals and plans to promote optimal patient care that is family-centered, developmentally appropriate, and psychosocially sound.
• Plan, implement and document treatment plans/outcomes for patients.
• Maintain equipment and supplies.
• Plan and implement additional Child Life activities e.g. special events, patient/family workshops.
• Interface with donors, community groups and others vital to the continued growth of Child Life and UTMB Health System programs and visions.
• Orient and supervise volunteers.
• Provide education and in-service training regarding Child Life Services to patients, families, medical staff of various disciplines, and students.
• Participate in professional development to enhance job performance and contribute to the accomplishment of Child Life department and UTMB hospital missions and goals.
• Commitment to team planning, problem solving and collaborative efforts. Strong interpersonal communication and listening skills.
• Adheres to Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) Core Competencies and Professional Standards of Practice.

Marginal or Periodic Functions

Program Development and Leadership (Advanced Level CLS)

• Provides direct oversight, coordination, and management of the Child Life Program.
• Planning and development of programs to enhance the pediatric experience.
• Designs programs and directs activities to help children cope with hospitalization, reduce anxiety about treatment, and foster academic development according the Association of Child Life Professionals.
• Identification and advocacy to provide necessary program resources.
• Participation in the budget process and business planning, as needed, to ensure program continuity and funding.
• Community outreach demonstrating program leadership with clinics, local pediatric institutions, and educational programs as indicated.
• Communication with vendors, community groups, and donors to facilitate products (books, toys, educational needs, etc.) for UTMB pediatric patients.
• Develops and implements constructive approaches to problem identification and solutions.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to interact with seriously ill children of all developmental levels, their siblings, parents and other extended family members.
• Ability to assess situations with patients and families as they relate to specific needs for Child Life intervention (medical…