Child Life Specialist - Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY

Fulfill position functions and responsibilities necessary for ethical and efficacious programming of child life services.  Plan developmentally-appropriate individual and group clinical sessions to meet resident-specific goals, and provide developmentally-appropriate procedural support and preparation.    Function as integral part of creative arts therapy and child life team and neighborhood-based interdisciplinary team to promote quality family-centered care.

JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

• Understands and promotes Elizabeth Seton Children’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure application with organizational policies and procedures.
• Continually strive to improve the organization’s systems and/or services.
• Make decisions as a team to fulfill our mission, share recognition, and learn from failures.
• Treat every resident, family member, and co-worker with dignity, respect, and courtesy.
• Provide a full range of child life clinical services (caseloads, procedural support, clinic visits, family support etc.) with approximately 20 client-contact hours per week.
• Provide procedural support and logistical assistance for in-house clinics, in-house medical procedures and ADLs as indicated to meet resident needs.
• Provide developmentally-appropriate preparation and education for procedures, and provide procedural support for external appointments as indicated.
• Screen newly admitted residents to determine appropriateness for child life assessment, and communicate findings to team.
• Communicate referrals to child life team and conduct initial child life assessments for referred residents who are prioritized for services.
• Assure accurate physician’s orders for all residents on caseload, and consistently fulfill orders.
• Conduct individual and group clinical sessions, with child-centered, measurable goals.
• Participate in Plan of Care meetings when applicable to discuss clinical goals and progress.
• Maintain standard data-gathering techniques during all phases of clinical processing including assessment, therapy and evaluation.
• Adhere to established clinical documentation standards in a timely fashion.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to provide highest quality of care.
• Advocate for families and serve as a role model of family-centered care.
• Communicate with relevant child life staff in acute care settings to provide continuity of care when children are transferred to acute care.
• Provide clinical support to residents and families around times of crisis and transition (including sibling support, palliative and end-of-life care, discharge preparation, etc.).
• Provide complementary therapies as trained, when appropriate (e.g., Reiki, massage, Acutonics).
• Participate in interviewing, selecting and orienting child life interns.
• Participate in the supervision and training of child life interns and practicum students.
• Represent CAT CL department on one assigned neighborhood by attending clinical status, maintaining interdisciplinary communication and participating in neighborhood-based initiatives and special events.
• Participate in providing child life orientation, in-services and educational opportunities for ESPC staff.
• Actively participate in pertinent ESPC committees and Business Plan teams as appropriate (e.g., Family Advisory Council, business plan work-groups, palliative care committee, etc.)
• Assist with planning and implementation of department-led special events (e.g., Family Portrait Day).
• Comply with applicable federal and/or state laws, regulations and/or agency rules, standards and guidelines, etc.
• Adhere to CLC Standards of Clinical Practice and Code of Ethical Responsibility.
• Engage in on-going continuing education opportunities consistent with professional standards.
• Maintain departmental supplies and demonstrate appropriate care of departmental materials.
• Requisition supplies with the approval of the supervisor.
• Adhere to a resident-focused schedule of hours and use appropriate procedures for requesting time off.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Child Life, Child Development, Special Education or closely related field
• Certification in Child Life required.

• Minimum of 1-2 years professional experience in a clinical pediatric setting
• Internship or fellowship in child life
• Clinical or volunteer experience with children with multiply handicapped and medically fragile children, preferred

Employee Requirements:

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language fluently
• Must meet or exceed all health standards and requirements for the position as established by NYDOH and all other regulatory agencies
• Must meet the general health requirements set fourth by the policies of this Center which includes a medical and physical examination
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of thirty-five (35) pounds
• Perform tasks that may involve exposure to the resident’s blood/body fluids
• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents, if necessary

Working Conditions:

• Will work in a well-lighted and ventilated area
• Will be subject to frequent interruptions
• May be asked to work beyond normal working hours, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary

Salary Range:

$64,000/Yr to $70,000/Yr