Coordinator Child Life Zone Program - Child Life

CHRISTUS Health•San Antonio, TX

19h

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Child Life/Child Development, the Coordinator interacts with patients and families and provides children with appropriate, purposeful developmental experiences to enhance their quality of life during healthcare visits and support personal development. The role oversees Child Life Zone operations through program development, play facilitation, and management of CCTV programming. It promotes a family-centered environment and safe patient care, adapting activities and care methods to patients’ physical, psychosocial, cultural, age-specific, and developmental needs. The Coordinator also serves as a resource and liaison for patients, families, healthcare team members, community partners, and donors, and represents the Child Life Zone in professional and community settings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Previous experience working with children required.
Previous experience with therapeutic use of play materials or activities required.
BLS certification required.
Knowledge of growth and development, patient and family reactions to hospitalization, and coping strategies.
Interpersonal skills and effective communication.
Working knowledge of educational development.
Understanding of hospital policies and medical terminology and procedures.
Ability to problem-solve, be creative, take initiative, and work independently.
Ability to meet certification requirements within the designated time frame, in accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
One to three years of work experience with children preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement programming that promotes optimal development for children in the healthcare setting and supports family members.
Promote, advertise, and explain Child Life Zone services to patients, families, and staff.
Implement purposeful play activities and interventions suited to each child’s age, developmental level, and needs; develop adaptive play materials and teaching tools and coordinate events or opportunities for designated populations.
Document interactions with patients and families in accordance with department policy.
Plan for, order, and collect materials and equipment for therapeutic and educational activities within budget guidelines and in consultation with the Child Life Manager; identify cost-saving resources without adversely affecting programming.
Serve as a resource regarding child life and community services, including participating in team meetings and hospital committees, advocating for children, and developing educational tools for patients and families.
Evaluate Child Life programming with the Manager through individual and monthly staff meetings and quarterly rounding.
Supervise and orient Child Life volunteers; coordinate with student programming as needed.
Adapt assigned patient care assessment, treatment, and care methods to patients’ individual needs and demonstrate competence in assigned patient care responsibilities.
Maintain and develop knowledge and skills through conferences, workshops, certifications, research, in-services, and other professional development opportunities.
Serve as a liaison for community partners and donors and represent the Child Life Zone in professional and community settings.
Promote a family-centered environment and ensure safe patient care while adhering to CHRISTUS Health CORE values.
Complete annual job competencies, including age-specific and other special-needs competencies, as well as HealthStream, Genesis, and Child Life Competencies.
Attend and present at staff meetings as needed; participate in ongoing education and networking provided by the Teammates for Kids Foundation.
Maintain reports and productivity data, contribute to the annual report, and collaborate with the social media team on Child Life Zone content.
Participate in other department responsibilities and meet monthly with an assigned mentor during the first year of employment.
Perform other duties as assigned.