Child Life Assistant

WVU Medicine

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The responsibilities of a Child Life Assistant position are implementing activities that support and promote normal growth and development, training and supervision of volunteers, and creating and maintaining community ties that enhance program delivery. This role provides a safe environment in play areas and when working at the patient bedside. This role also serves as a liaison between Children’s Hospital and community organizations. Service hours/care delivery may include weekend and evening work hours.

Requirements

Associate Degree in healthcare, family studies, education, child development or related field and one (1) year of work in a Children’s Hospital or work experience with children or families OR High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of work in a Children’s Hospital or work experience with children or families.
Obtain Basic Life Support Certification within 30 days of hire.
Must be able to implement play activities for individuals and group.
Must be able to assess patient behavior.
Must possess knowledge of infant, child, adolescent growth and development.
Must possess strong organizational skills, energetic, creative, and enjoy working with children.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Knowledge and skills in Microsoft programs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or related Field.
5 years experience in a Children’s Hospital or work experience with children and families.

Responsibilities

Assesses and promotes normal developmental abilities of children.
Provides a variety of developmentally supportive play opportunities for patient and siblings including structured and planned activities, in activity spaces and at the bedside.
Understands and practices family-centered care in all aspects of work responsibilities.
Organizes, plans, and promotes group play in the playrooms, with attention to the specific needs of the participating children.
Communicates observations regarding children’s behaviors and emotional state to other child life staff and appropriate team members.
Models healthy relationships with children for families and staff, and encourages positive parent/child interactions.
Assist in planning, organizing, and facilitating special events, ensuring that the visit is appropriate for patients, families, and staff in collaboration with child life colleagues and other care providers.
Documents the patient plan of care in the electronic medical record and complies with child life services charting standards.
Organizes and maintains toys, supplies, electronic devices, and playroom. Identifies needed and replacement materials.
Develops/maintains process so these items are available during off shifts.
Prepares and maintains a safe, inviting and developmentally responsive playroom environment that engages a variety of ages, interests, and abilities.
Regularly inspects toys, materials and play area for safety, infection control and appropriateness for the population; maintains knowledge of toy recalls and removed identified toys and materials.
Adheres to and enacts the toy cleaning policy and procedures.
Tracks play materials inventory.
Builds positive relationships with children and families while being conscious of therapeutic and professional boundaries.
Represents child life services by participating in special projects, task forces, and committees as designated to enhance service delivery to patients and families.
Collaborates effectively with other child life staff and actively supports the evolution and advancement of the department.
Articulates the importance and benefits of normal developmental opportunities for patients and siblings to families and staff; advocates for patient involvement in these activities and interactions.
Collaborates with Volunteer Services to develop a systematic training program for volunteers and provides orientation and oversight for volunteers.
Serves as a community liaison and main contact person for donations and special interest groups (i.e., professional and college sports