Child and Adolescent Life Specialist - PRN

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

44d•Onsite

About The Position

Provide a variety of interventions for pediatric patients and families to promote coping skills, emotional health, and optimal development in the hospital setting. This role involves flexible coverage for scheduled/unscheduled absences and vacations. Duke University Hospital is the largest of the four Duke Health hospitals with 1062 patient beds, featuring comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, and an endo-surgery center. It is consistently ranked among the best in the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Child Life, Counseling, Special Education, Recreation Therapy, or directly related field.
One year of experience working with hospitalized children as a Certified Child Life Specialist is preferred.
Completed an internship under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist
Graduated with a bachelor's degree in: Child Development, Family Studies, Healthcare Consumer Sciences, or another related field of study
Obtain a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) within 6 months of hire.
A certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is required within 6 months of hire.
Interviewing Skills
Work independently with minimal supervision
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and proactively
Team-oriented and flexible attitude
Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Responsibilities

Assess the emotional and medical needs of assigned patients and families to determine the support needed during the medical experience.
Formulate a plan of interaction based on the assessment of patient and family and present plan to team members at psychosocial rounds and team meetings.
Document all interactions in medical record charts.
Provide play/recreational activities for assigned patients consistent with developmental needs in order to normalize the environment and facilitate assessments.
Utilize developmentally appropriate methods for preparing children and families for diagnostic, treatment, and surgical procedures to optimize patients' understanding of their experience as well as their coping.
Participate in activities to support family-centered and comprehensive care.
Maintain ongoing communication with physicians, nurses, unit and clinical staff in order to ensure a coordinated approach to patient care.
Address and attempt to limit the disruptive effects of illness, clinic visits, and hospitalization.
Provide in-service training to students, other staff, and professional groups in order to improve the practice of family-centered, developmentally-appropriate, and psychosocially-sound health care.
Participate in programs for professional training and development; in order to enhance job performance.
Perform other administrative and related duties incidental to the work described herein.