Child Life Specialist - Huntsman Cancer Hospital
About The Position
This position plans and provides therapeutic intervention and appropriate psychosocial/developmental care under the general supervision and direction of the Child Life Coordinator for pediatric/adolescent patients and families. The goal is to assist them in effectively coping with the stress and anxiety of health care experiences, as well as to maximize the growth and development of children and adolescents in the hospital setting. The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for its academic research, quality standards, and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Child Life or related field, or equivalency.
- One year related experience.
- Current certification as a Child Life Specialist.
- Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
- Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Nice To Haves
- Duel certification in Child Life and Recreational Therapy.
Responsibilities
- Assesses patients and facilitates play interactions with regard to developmental level, interest, capabilities, special concerns, life situations, and stress vulnerability potential related to illness, injury and health care. Documents assessments in interdisciplinary charts when appropriate.
- Formulates and revises child life patient care plans to develop appropriate strategies for child life care in conjunction with other health team members. Documents implementation of plan on child life documentation form, and when appropriate, in patient's interdisciplinary chart.
- Provides therapeutic child life care for patients/families based upon the needs assessment and patient care plan. This includes medical play activities, psychological preparation, teaching effective coping behaviors, and staying with children through procedures to help implement effective coping behaviors.
- Ensures toys and patient activities are developmentally supportive.
- Provides supportive relationships, emotional support, information and role modeling to patients and family members to foster appropriate interaction with children in a hospital setting.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates child life care plans and programs to encourage optimum growth, development and self-esteem of children and adolescents, and to facilitate functional family interactions.
- Facilitates social interactions between patients and families to foster parent-to-parent, peer support and normal social development.
- Assists in the maintenance of a safe and therapeutic patient care environment.
- Maintains age-appropriate supply of therapeutic play materials (e.g., arts, crafts, games, books,); evaluates the need for equipment and supplies.
- Participates in continuing education programs and remains abreast of advances in child development and programs for hospitalized children; provides interdisciplinary in-service education on child development, child life, and the impact of illness, injury and health care on patients and families.
- Coordinates patient's interactions/activities with available volunteers.
- Participates in the selection, training, supervision and evaluation of Child Life Assistant I, Child Life Assistant II, Child Life student interns and volunteers.
- Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and evaluations as a member of the interdisciplinary team.
- Assists in assessing patient/family needs for outpatient psychosocial care and recommending referrals.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
