Child Life Specialist

Greater Baltimore Medical Center • Towson, MD

272d • $21 - $36

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) provides psychosocial and emotional support for pediatric & adolescent patients and their families receiving care at GBMC. The CCLS utilizes a family-centered care approach to assists patients and families in effectively coping with the stress and anxiety of the hospital experience as well as to maximize the growth and development of children and adolescents.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's (preferred) Degree in Child Life or a related field such as Child Development, Psychology, Child Psychology, Education or Counseling.
• At least one year of paid experience as a Child Life Specialist.
• Completion of a child life internship is required, as recognized by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
• Current certification as a Child Life Specialist through the Association for Child Life Professionals or if eligible for Certification, it must be obtained within one year of date of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the ACLP Code of Ethics.
• Basic supervisory skills to oversee child life program volunteers during assigned shifts.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with the GBMC Pediatrics interdisciplinary team members to implement the most appropriate plan of care.
• Utilize discretion in selecting age-appropriate activities for patients to address the psychosocial needs of children and families and create a minimally threatening therapeutic environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess relevant data regarding the patient's status of injury or illness and provide the appropriate care at the appropriate time.
• Provides therapeutic child life care including medical play activities, psychological preparation, teaching effective coping behaviors, and staying with children through procedures to help implement effective coping behaviors.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates child life care plans and programs to encourage optimum growth, development, and self-esteem of children and adolescents, and to provide optimal family support.
• Facilitates social interactions between patients and families to foster helpful parent-to-parent, peer support, and normal social development if possible with patients.
• Maintains age-appropriate supply of therapeutic play materials, maintains budget/inventory of such, and evaluates the need for equipment and supplies.
• Participates in continuing education programs and remains abreast of advances in child development and the psychosocial care of children in hospitals.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries with children, families, and staff.
• Acts as an active, contributing member of the Pediatric interdisciplinary team and comes to team meetings with helpful input.

Benefits

• Pay Range: $21.27 - $36.00
• Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.

What This Job Offers

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