Child Life Tech- Child Life

Tampa General Hospital•Tampa, FL

23h

About The Position

The Child Life Activity Technician provides direct and indirect patient care in Muma Children's Hospital under the supervision of Child Life Specialists. The role uses knowledge of child development to provide age-appropriate activities and maintain a therapeutic, safe, inclusive environment for individuals and groups. The technician supports patients and families in coping with hospitalization through assessment and developmentally appropriate, normalizing activities, and delivers customer service to patients, families, students, volunteers, and the health care team. The position maintains Child Life activity areas and materials, coordinates group and bedside activities, documents participation in the medical record, and observes and reports changes in patient well-being to licensed nursing staff. It also supports volunteer and Pet Therapy programs, community events, and the recruitment, orientation, and training of program participants. The technician works collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and performs duties in accordance with Tampa General Hospital's mission, vision, and values.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
For applicants with a high school diploma, at least 10 hours of coursework in Child Development, Family Studies, Education, or Psychology, or a Florida Department of Children and Families Birth through Five Training Certificate, along with one year of relevant experience in a pediatric setting.
BLS for healthcare professionals certification, required within 60 days of employment.
Knowledge of normal human development and the effects of illness, injury, disability, and hospitalization on children and families.
Current knowledge needed to provide age-specific, therapeutic, goal-oriented structured activities.
Ability to respond effectively to individual and age-specific needs with high-quality Child Life interventions.
Ability to manage effectively in an emotionally and physically stressful environment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds.
Auditory, visual, and interpersonal skills to assess the environment and patient and family engagement.

Responsibilities

Provide direct and indirect patient care and age-appropriate therapeutic activities under the supervision of Child Life Specialists.
Support patients and families in coping with the stress of hospitalization through assessment and developmentally appropriate, normalizing activities.
Provide a therapeutic, safe, and inclusive environment for patients, families, and groups.
Maintain Child Life areas and activities, ensure materials are available, and help ensure the environment meets infection prevention standards and is conducive to play.
Monitor people entering Child Life areas and work with security to help maintain safety.
Coordinate group activities in Child Life areas and through technology for patients at the bedside.
Document safe and appropriate participation in activity events in the EMR and share observations of children's physical and behavioral well-being in the medical record.
Report signs or symptoms requiring further assessment, communication, or intervention to assigned licensed nursing staff.
Coordinate activities of internal and external partners who interact with patients and families.
Participate in recruitment, orientation, and training for Child Life volunteers and Pet Therapy program participants, and serve in a lead role when they interact with patients and families.
Participate in selecting community events that offer engaging and safe activities and serve in a lead role when community visitors interact with patients and families.
Collaborate with departments and the interdisciplinary health care team, integrate interdisciplinary goals into Child Life treatment plans, and support the plan of care.
Prioritize assigned activities, assist other team members with priorities, complete assignments within established time frames, and remain flexible in work assignments.
Use resources cost-effectively and document the use of supplies and services.
Attend annual and mandatory in-services, required meetings, and continuing education programs; establish annual professional development goals and stay current with Child Life trends in pediatric health care.
Respond effectively in emergencies and use appropriate conflict management and problem-solving skills.
Serve as a preceptor when requested and provide feedback as requested.
Demonstrate professional conduct, appearance, communication, active listening, and cooperative interactions with coworkers and visitors.
Meet Tampa General Hospital time and attendance standards and perform duties in accordance with its mission, vision, and values.