Child Life Specialist - NICU

Phoebe Putney Health System • Albany, GA

92d

About The Position

Child life specialists support and nurture children and their families through the emotional and physical aspects of hospitalization. They work hand-in-hand with the medical team to provide the children and their families the support they need. Child Life Specialists work with pediatric patients and families throughout the facility, primarily focusing on the Pediatric Unit and Clinic, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Emergency Department. They educate and inform the families as to what is going on, and provide emotional support to the children as they go through tests and treatments. Although they do not provide medical care directly, they work with the children on their specific needs and stay with them throughout the entire process. Child life specialists provide as normal of an environment as possible in an inpatient or outpatient setting. They provide opportunities for the children to play, thrive, and grow in an abnormal and sometimes difficult environment. Child life specialists work to support children through difficult medical circumstances, both personal conditions, as well as conditions that affect their family members, and strive to provide some sense of normalcy. They are an extension of the medical staff and keep apprised of the condition and treatment regimen for the child, so they can keep the family informed and prepared.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life Development or other related field (i.e. psychology, recreation therapy) (Required)
• Completion of minimum of 480 hr. Child Life Internship (Required)
• CCLS - Certified Child Life Specialist or eligible to sit for exam and obtained within 1 Year (Required)
• Master's Degree (Preferred)
• Work Experience => 1 years

Responsibilities

• Uses correct terminology and conforms to required style and format.
• Develops expected outcomes that provide direction for continuity of care.
• Involves patient/family and other disciplines to determine expected outcomes.
• Modifies expected outcomes based on changes in the assessment of the patient.
• Includes the patient and others involved in the care in the evaluation process.
• Evaluates the plan in relation to patient responses and expected outcomes.
• Documents the results of the evaluation.
• Demonstrates technical skill in using equipment appropriate for role.
• Understands equipment operation and maintains equipment in working order.
• Troubleshoots equipment problems and uses technology to increase productivity.
• Adapts to new technology.
• Observes and assesses patient and family learning style, diagnostic understanding, and needs.
• Utilizes evidence-based practice concepts, including play, preparation, and assessment.
• Obtains appropriate information needed to complete accurate assessment of patient and family.
• Identifies appropriate child life plan and interventions based on assessed patient priorities.
• Provides developmentally appropriate explanations/teaching aimed at pre-operative and procedural preparation.
• Uses appropriate teaching aids and techniques to address knowledge and coping strategies.
• Provides activities and interventions to help children and families cope with medical situations.
• Demonstrates proficiency in educating patient and family and in delineating appropriate sequential events.
• Provides clear and concise chart documentation of interventions and emotional status of the patient, family, and/or sibling.
• Promotes the physical and psychosocial development of children.
• Manages a chaotic work environment related to changing patient needs.
• Exhibits behaviors consistent with standards for performance improvement and organizational strategic initiatives.
• Minimizes fears and stress regarding the health experience.
• Recognizes and addresses the importance of therapeutic play in facilitating child's mastery of and coping with health care experiences.
• Delivers services in a manner that is flexible, accessible, comprehensive, and responsive to family-identified needs.
• Promotes the role of parents and other family members as full partners on the health care team.
• Facilitates family/professional collaboration.
• Initiates communication with peers about clinical priorities for care.
• Provides information to patients and families to reduce anxiety and convey an attitude of acceptance, sensitivity, and caring.
• Maintains professional relationships and conveys relevant information to other members of the health care team.
• Assesses and interacts with patients and families using theories of human growth and development.
• Shares information on child development and early childhood education topics with families.
• Submits pertinent information/data to the appropriate employee/management in a timely manner.
• Seeks knowledge and skills that will update and enhance their understanding of all relevant issues affecting the children and families they serve.
• Attends staff meetings, in-services, and continuing education.
• Responds to problems/opportunities to improve care/customer service.
• Maintains professional competence by keeping abreast of research and evidence-based practices.
• Meets training requirements on an annual basis.
• Respects the privacy of children and families and maintains confidentiality of information.
• Acts with respect for the duties, competencies, and needs of their professional colleagues.
• Works effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Exhibits behaviors consistent with principles for service excellence.
• Treats colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Participates in improvement activities and initiatives.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries with children, families, and staff.
• Functions as an effective team member, working with administration, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Contributes to discussions at departmental meetings and to departmental projects.

Benefits

• Collaborate with the best colleagues in a friendly, close-knit setting.
• Opportunity to apply learned skills, explore new paths and advance into greater opportunities.
• Outstanding benefits and many ways to develop your career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees