Child Life Specialist

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Provides evidence-based, developmentally appropriate child life interventions that include therapeutic play, preparation and education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children.

The Child Life Specialist is responsible for the development and delivery of skilled child life services focused on the developmental, emotional and psychosocial needs.

Weekends/Evenings - Possible based on future practice need.

Band One (I): Entry Level Child Life Specialist - Require training as well as regular direct supervision or guidance from a senior specialist.

This generally involves orientation to the department infrastructure, policies, protocols, workflows, procedures and routines.

During this period the specialist must demonstrate an ability to progress towards proficient and competent performance required for the role.

Success within this band requires independent responsibility for performing basic child life specific competency requirements, as defined by service Successful completion of child life orientation.

Eligible to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification exam. Certification must be completed within the first year of hire. Eligible for next level upon completion of 6 months and certification.

Band Two (II): Proficient Child Life Specialist - In addition to successful completion of required certification, orientation, training as well as regular direct supervision or guidance from a senior specialist.

Band Two demonstrates proficiency and competence in all aspects of job responsibilities and expectations, and consistently demonstrates initiative to assist in other specialists when the need arises.

Able to work with volunteers, students, and interns [if eligible] to rotate them through child life projects and responsibilities with supervision.

Demonstrates consistent attention to detail when evaluating patient needs in consultation with other members of the health care team (i.e. nursing, physicians, social work, and clinicians). Develops plan to address assessed needs of child and family. Advocates through education with healthcare team.

Band Two status requires a minimum of 18 months of progressive work experience as a Child Life Specialist and completion of full cycle performance review with demonstrated job related knowledge, proficiency and performance above standard rating for promotion to the next level.

Additional duties may include working on special projects.

(Contact Hours:

10)

Band Three (III): Expert Child Life Specialist - In addition to the responsibilities of a Child Life Specialist Band Two, serves as a preceptor in the on-boarding of newly hired specialist directly orienting to day-to-day routines and procedures, , as well as departmental and hospital policies.

A Band Three specialist is considered a subject matter expert in report assessments and interpretation to members of the health team through verbal or written reports.

Applies knowledge of research and theory in patient care delivery. Advocates and serves as an educational resource with the healthcare team. Serves as a preceptor for new learners. Develops departmental educational opportunities both within the department and with other medical disciplines. Oversees Child Life student interns.

Interviews, orients to duties, directs daily activities, oversees project work, conducts weekly conferences, evaluates, take responsibility to prepare complex care plans.

Serves as a resource to the Leads/s for special projects as assigned. Selected Band Three Specialists may be designated to support operations on various shifts.

Band Three status requires a minimum of 3 years of progressive work experience as a Child Life Specialist and completion of full cycle performance review with demonstrated job related knowledge, proficiency and performance above standard rating for promotion to the next level.

(Contact Hours:

12)

Band Four (IV): Mentor, Child Life Specialist - In addition to the responsibilities of a Child Life Specialist Band III, level IV specialists serves as a mentor to Bands one, two, and three specialists.

This individual is an experienced specialist who demonstrates expertise on child life practice. They consistently demonstrate quality service using critical thinking, problem solving, and effective advocacy. Assists in identifying needs and the management and maintenance of equipment, storage, and purchasing of supplies. Coordinates the expenditure of supply and equipment budget.

Informs and educates on current trends within the profession through readings and participation in committees, in-service education and continuing educational opportunities and professional organizations.

Band Four Specialists may be designated as back-up Leads to support operations on various shifts and may either assist their supervisor or determine workflow and staff schedule/assignments.

Band Four status requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive work experience as a Child Life Specialist and completion of full cycle performance review with demonstrated job related knowledge, proficiency and performance above standard rating for promotion to the next level.

Additional duties may include working on special projects.

(Contact Hours:

15)

To be eligible for advancement consideration, specialist must be in good standing.

Readiness for movement in the bands is assessed by the Program Manager and supervisor upon successful demonstration of knowledge and task proficiency as defined in the career ladder.

Experience and overall performance is also considered for next level progression.

Movement to a higher band is based on departmental need requires final approval from the department Chief in collaboration with Human Resources.

Specialist must maintain relevant and required certifications.

External candidates with appropriate credentials and relevant experience may enter the job level that aligns with their work experience and qualifications if the need exists within the department.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares children and families for healthcare experiences through providing developmentally appropriate explanation and facilitating support through medical events.
• Assesses coping responses and needs of children and families to healthcare experience. Reviews comprehensive information related to all assigned patients on a daily basis. Develop plans to address assessed needs of child and family. Continually evaluate effectiveness of interventions. Documents assessment, plans, interventions and evaluations in medical record and verbally when appropriate.
• Implements psychosocial and developmental care to meet the needs of the child. Provides essential life experiences through play opportunities and other experiences which foster continued growth and development. Provides opportunities that encourage expression of feelings and promote a sense of mastery and understanding of health care experience. Advocate for comprehensive school services in the hospital when appropriate.
• Supports the child's relationship with parents and other family members by involving parents in child life plan and providing support for siblings and peers that is respectful of cultural needs and is individualized.
• Participates in child life program activities, team meetings and orientation to the department infrastructure, policies, protocols, and workflow. Participates in continuing education opportunities. Is compliant with all hospital and department policies and procedures. Adheres to the standards for Child Life Specialists and Child Life Code of Ethics.
• Communicates effectively with other members of the healthcare team in sharing observations, assessments, and recommendations for care. Educate team members on the developmental needs of children. Educate and advocate for therapeutic, safe and inviting spaces for children, youth and families.
• Participates in the training curriculum of volunteers, students and others in child life services; participates in training child life interns once meets eligibility for child life certification supervision. [Maintains professional certification and minimum of 4,000 hours]
• Monitors and maintains use and condition of supplies, equipment, and materials within policies and guidelines necessary to provide child life services.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an area related to Child Growth and Development required. 2 years of relevant administrative experience required or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrates strong communication (both written and verbal), interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills. Must have the ability to collaborate with team members and families to ensure best outcomes. Weekends/Evenings - Possible based on future practice need. Child Life Professional Certification and Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University's mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better.

In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law.

This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.

How To Apply
All applicants must apply online.

_EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled_

Pay Range

Pay Range:
$ $29.12

_The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job.

Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

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Location: Strong Memorial Hospital

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

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