Child Life Specialist - Galveston

Child Life Specialist - Galveston
Galveston, Texas, United States
Hot

Patient Care

UTMB Health

Requisition # 2505406

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field

• 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

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

• Completed an accredited Child Life Specialist program and CCLS certification

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)

• 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…