Child Life Specialist, Child Life, Per Diem

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

13d•$23 - $41

About The Position

Creates a welcoming, stress reducing environment in a variety of pediatric settings, including inpatient units, outpatient clinics, radiology, pediatric surgery, and the emergency department. Through the direct intervention strategies of pre-procedure and preoperative teaching, medical and therapeutic play, the Child Life Specialist provides psychosocially sound, family-centered support to children 0-21 years of age and their families.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Child Life, Child Development or related field.
Must have current Child Life Certification or pass Child Life Certification Exam within one year of employment.
Incumbent must be enthusiastic and dedicated to providing quality Child Life services to children and families in a variety of health care settings.
Ability to demonstrate positive and effective interpersonal and communication skills required.
Must be a self-starter, flexible, and possess ability to work well independently.
Must be comfortable with public speaking and advocating for Kids Comfort Promise principles.

Responsibilities

Assesses and interacts with patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems, and cultural background.
Creates a therapeutic, safe environment for individual patients or small groups on inpatient units, playrooms, clinic and emergency waiting areas, and in treatment rooms.
Facilitates the child/adolescent mastery of and coping With the healthcare experience through a variety of interventions, to include: divisional and recreational play, medical play, developmental/skill retention support and seasonal celebrations.
Provides emotional and educational support to patient and family coping with life-threatening, terminal illness or death.
In collaboration with the health care team on the various units served or through physician/R.N. consultation, creates individualized pre-procedure and pre-surgery preparation which is developmentally appropriate and best meets the child/adolescent learning style and emotional state.
Creates coping strategy with child/family and accompanies family to procedure/surgery.
Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team, relaying pertinent patient assessments through direct report, charting, family care conferences and team meetings.
Provides consultation and direct teaching on variety of Child Life issues for parents, medical and nursing staff and students, including: normal growth and development, health care impact on coping and stress, and ameliorative interventions.
Facilitates acquisition of hospital or homebound tutor for child/adolescent experiencing extended school absence due to accident or chronic illness.
Assesses and develops individualized procedural support plans and supports patients during procedures such as blood draws, IV starts, immunizations, port accesses, etc.
Advocates, educates, and helps facilitate KCP principles such as comfort positioning, use of treatment room, numbing, distraction, and sucrose/breastfeeding.
Serves as an active member of the Kid’s Comfort Promise Initiative team attending all committee meetings and trainings.