Child Life Tech- Child Life

Tampa General Hospital•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The Child Life Activity Technician provides indirect and direct patient care at Muma Children's Hospital under the supervision of Child Life Specialists. The role uses knowledge of child development to provide age-appropriate therapeutic activities and maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for individual patients and groups. The technician helps patients and families cope with hospitalization through normalizing activities, and works with patients, families, students, volunteers, Pet Therapy participants, community visitors, and the interdisciplinary health care team. The position also supports the mission, vision, and values of Tampa General Hospital.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
For applicants with a high school diploma, at least 10 hours of coursework in Child Development, Family Studies, Education, or Psychology, or a Florida Department of Children and Families Birth through Five Training Certificate, along with one year of relevant experience in a pediatric setting.
BLS for healthcare professionals, required within 60 days of employment.
Knowledge of normal human development and the impact of illness, injury, disability, and hospitalization on children and families.
Current knowledge required to provide age-specific, therapeutic, goal-oriented structured activities.
Ability to provide high-quality Child Life interventions responsive to individual and age-specific needs.
Ability to manage effectively in an environment involving emotional and physical stress.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds.
Auditory, visual, and interpersonal skills to assess the environment and patient and family engagement.

Responsibilities

Meet TGH time and attendance standards and complete assignments and delegated responsibilities within established time frames.
Use resources cost-effectively and document the use of supplies and services.
Prioritize assigned activities and assist other team members in meeting priorities.
Attend annual and mandatory in-services, required meetings, and continuing education programs; formulate annual professional development goals and participate in learning programs.
Stay current with Child Life trends in pediatric health care and maintain cooperative, collaborative relationships with coworkers and departments.
Work within an interdisciplinary health care team, communicate with team members, integrate interdisciplinary goals into Child Life treatment plans, and support and collaborate with the plan of care.
Maintain EMR documentation of safe, appropriate participation in activity events to support safe staffing and participation usage.
Coordinate activities of external and internal partners interacting with patients and families.
Plan, provide, and maintain a safe and inclusive environment for patients, team members, and families.
Monitor people entering Child Life areas for adherence to infection prevention and safety standards, and work with security to ensure the areas are safe.
Maintain play and activities in Child Life areas, ensuring materials are available, infection prevention standards are met, and the environment and activities are conducive to play for patients and families.
Coordinate group activities in Child Life areas and through technology for patients at the bedside.
Provide care according to established procedures and protocols; monitor for changes in patient condition and report signs and symptoms requiring further assessment or intervention to assigned licensed nursing staff.
Respond effectively to emergencies and use appropriate conflict management and problem-solving skills.
Share observations of the child's physical and behavioral well-being, including child-parent interactions, through medical record documentation.
Serve as a preceptor when requested.
Promote a positive image of the department and organization through professional conduct, appearance, and communication.
Participate in recruitment, orientation, and training for the Child Life Volunteer and Pet Therapy programs, and lead volunteers interacting with patients and families.
Participate in selecting community events that provide engaging and safe activities, and lead community visitors interacting with patients and families.
Use active listening and effective verbal and written communication with patients, team members, and visitors; provide feedback when requested.
Demonstrate knowledge of new and pertinent information through discussions, communications, meetings, bulletin boards, memos, and logbooks.