Child Life Specialist - Galveston

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field 
   

  Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field 

• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in a healthcare setting
   

  LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS
  Required:
   

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or ability to obtain within one year of hire

JOB DESCRIPTION
Function: To provide evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and  education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children and youth (Association of Child Life Professionals, 2018) 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Commitments to Child Life philosophies, policies and guidelines in supporting and planning programs for families of chronically ill and hospitalized children. 
• Assess and prioritize patient/family needs for child life intervention. 
• Support patients and family members in coping with the stresses associated with the health care experience. 
• Provide opportunities for and facilitate a variety of group and individual play recreation and activities that promote development, self-expression, and mastery. 
• Evaluate emotional, social, mental and physical condition of referred patients utilizing therapeutic interventions and 
  assessments. 
• Support family-centered care through communication and involvement of parents and other family members. 
• Provide education regarding illness/condition, treatment, and coping techniques to patients, family members, and the larger community as appropriate. 
• Function and consult as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, integrating goals and plans to promote optimal patient care that is family-centered, developmentally appropriate, and psychosocially sound. 
• Plan, implement and document treatment plans/outcomes for patients. 
• Maintain equipment and supplies. 
• Plan and implement additional Child Life activities e.g. special events, patient/family workshops. 
• Interface with donors, community groups and others vital to the continued growth of Child Life and UTMB Health System programs and visions. 
• Orient and supervise volunteers. 
• Provide education and in-service training regarding Child Life Services to patients, families, medical staff of various disciplines, and students. 

• Participate in professional development to enhance job performance and contribute to the accomplishment of Child Life department and UTMB hospital missions and goals.

   

• Commitment to team planning, problem solving and collaborative efforts. Strong interpersonal communication and listening skills. 

• Adheres to Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) Core Competencies and Professional Standards of Practice. 
   

  Marginal or Periodic Functions:
  Program Development and Leadership (Advanced Level CLS)

   

• Provides direct oversight, coordination, and management of the Child Life Program.
• Planning and development of programs to enhance the pediatric experience.
• Designs programs and directs activities to help children cope with hospitalization, reduce anxiety about treatment, and foster academic development according the Association of Child Life Professionals. 
• Identification and advocacy to provide necessary program resources.
• Participation in the budget process and business planning, as needed, to ensure program continuity and funding.
• Community outreach demonstrating program leadership with clinics, local pediatric institutions, and educational programs as indicated. 
• Communication with vendors, community groups, and donors to facilitate products (books, toys, educational needs, etc.) for UTMB pediatric patients. 
• Develops and implements constructive approaches to problem identification and solutions. 

• Performs related duties as required.
   

  KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

   

• Ability to interact with seriously ill children of all developmental levels, their siblings, parents and other extended family members. 
• Ability to assess situations with patients and families as they relate to specific needs for Child Life intervention (medical play, coping skills, etc.). 
• Ability to function well in multidisciplinary team settings.
• Understanding of growth & development, family dynamics, learning theory, medical play, therapeutic play and activity programming.