NICU/ Pediatric Child Life Specialist

Under limited supervision, the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) provides psychosocial and emotional support for pediatric & adolescent patients and their families receiving care at GBMC. The CCLS utilizes a family-centered care approach to assists patients and families in effectively coping with the stress and anxiety of the hospital experience as well as to maximize the growth and development of children and adolescents.

Education:
Bachelor's or Master's (preferred) Degree in Child Life or a related field such as Child Development, Psychology, Child Psychology, Education or Counseling

Experience:
At least one year of paid experience as a Child Life Specialist. Completion of a child life internship is required, as recognized by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

Licensure, Certifications
Current certification as a Child Life Specialist through the Association for Child Life Professionals or if eligible for Certification, it must be obtained within one year of date of hire.

Physical Requirements:

Physical ability to walk and stand for up to eighty percent of work time and lifting or pushing objects weighing up to thirty pounds for up to fifteen percent of work time.

Working conditions:

Work is primarily performed in the Pediatric Emergency Department or Pediatric Inpatient Unit 39, but may extend to other clinical settings within GBMC where pediatric patients receive care. These settings are clinical in nature and will involve direct care and contact with patients.

Skills:
* Knowledge and experience to ensure understanding of the basic issues of infant/child/adolescent development and behavior.
* Analytical skills necessary to assess patient and family needs, to establish a plan of care, and to effect appropriate interventions.
* Time management skills and discipline required to efficiently and effectively provide child life services across clinical settings
* Ability to read and write the English language and technical abilities to effectively complete required professional electronic documentation and correspondence.
* Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively engage patients and families in a constructive therapeutic relationship.
* Basic supervisory skills to oversee child life program volunteers during assigned shifts.
* Knowledge of the ACLP Code of Ethics

Patient & Workplace Safety:

• Employee has knowledge and understanding of patient and workforce safety as it relates to job duties.

Patient Population:

• Demonstrates competency in the delivery of care and applies the knowledge to meet age-specific needs if applicable.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
* Coordinates with the GBMC Pediatrics interdisciplinary team members to implement the most appropriate plan of care.
* Utilize discretion in selecting age-appropriate activities for patients to address the psychosocial needs of children and families and create a minimally threatening therapeutic environment.
* Individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess relevant data regarding the patient's status of injury or illness and provide the appropriate care at the appropriate time.
* Provides therapeutic child life care including medical play activities, psychological preparation, teaching effective coping behaviors, and staying with children through procedures to help implement effective coping behaviors. Ensures toys and patient activities are safe and developmentally supportive.
* Develops, implements, and evaluates child life care plans and programs to encourage optimum growth, development, and self-esteem of children and adolescents, and to provide optimal family support
* Facilitates social interactions between patients and families to foster helpful parent-to-parent, peer support, and normal social development if possible with patients. Evaluates & implements new child life programs as warranted to insure the success of the program.
* Maintains age-appropriate supply of therapeutic play materials (e.g., arts, crafts, games, books), maintains budget/inventory of such, and evaluates the need for equipment and supplies and new appropriate items for the Pediatric ED/Inpatient Unit 39 and other clinical settings where pediatric patients receive care.
* Participates in continuing education programs and remains abreast of advances in child development and the psychosocial care of children in hospitals; provides interdisciplinary in-service education on child development, child life, and the impact of illness, injury and health care on patients and families to relevant members of the Pediatric team
* Maintains appropriate professional boundaries with children, families, and staff
* Acts as an active, contributing member of the Pediatric interdisciplinary team and comes to team meetings with helpful input.

All roles must demonstrate GBMC Values:

Respect

I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.

• Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy

• Listens and responds appropriately to others' needs, feelings, and capabilities

Excellence

I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

• Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations

• Actively pursues learning and self-development

• Pays attention to detail; follows through

Accountability

I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.

• Sets a positive, professional example for others

• Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them

• Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties

• Reports to work regularly and on time

Teamwork

I will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed.

• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team

• Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way

• Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions

• Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of others

Ethical Behavior

I will always act with honesty and integrity. I will protect the patient.

• Demonstrates honesty, integrity and good judgment

• Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients/families/coworkers

Results

I will set goals and measure outcomes that support organizational goals. I will give and accept help to achieve goals.

• Embraces change and improvement in the work environment

• Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products/services

• Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles

• Achieves results on time by focusing on priorities and manages time efficiently

COVID-19 Vaccination

All applicants must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or obtain a GBMC approved medical or religious exemption prior to starting employment at GBMC Healthcare, to include Gilchrist and GBMC Health Partners.

Equal Employment Opportunity

GBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.