Child Life Specialist

Child Life SpecialistNamed by The Boston Globe as one of the Top Places to Work in Massachusetts for the last four years, our community-based, mission-driven hospice and palliative care organization seeks a Child Life Specialist (CLS) to join its expanding team. Travel is required for this position. Care is provided in patients’ private homes and residential facilities throughout Greater Boston and parts of Metrowest.Job Responsibilities:The CLS practices primarily in pediatric palliative care (Pedi Pal) with some hospice coverage as needed. The CLS provides emotional support for families and encourages optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization. The CLS chooses materials and interventions appropriate to patient/family needs and designs sessions to achieve therapeutic goals and objectives. An understanding of the application of effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities is necessary for this position. The CLS assists in the implementation of programmatic events for Pedi Pal families and/or Pedi Pal interdisciplinary team members, in collaboration with the Pedi Pal Program Manager. The CLS also works within the Family Engagement Workgroup to encourage families to take an active role in the Pedi Pal program.Schedule and Weekly Hours:Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.Education, Skills and Experience:Master's degree with related coursework in Childhood Development preferred.Certification in Child Life strongly preferred.Experience with pediatric patients and families with life-limiting and terminal illness required.Experience with home visits preferred.Ability to work well with an interdisciplinary team.Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.Experience with electronic medical records preferred.Good Shepherd Benefits:Competitive salaryFour weeks paid time off in first year, to increase with tenure12 paid holidaysHealth, dental, and vision insurance: coverage begins as of your start dateLife insurance403(b) with company matchFlexible Spending AccountShort and Long Term DisabilityEmployee Assistance ProgramPartnership with Regis College for reduced tuition ratesPay Range:$58,000-$65,000: This number reflects an average starting range for this position. Individual pay is determined through a variety of factors including experience, education, certifications, and skills and can exceed the range.Industry:HealthcareEmployment Type:Full TimeAbout Us:Good Shepherd Community Care is one of the most trusted health care organizations in Greater Boston focusing on hospice and palliative care. Founded as Hospice of the Good Shepherd in 1978, we are the original Massachusetts hospice. After decades of caring for our community, we continue to remain an independent, not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization. We believe in the importance of mutual respect and acceptance and value diversity in our patients, families and caregivers, employees, volunteers, community, and partner organizations. We are committed to these values and honor the dignity of each individual through the care, support and education we provide. Our team members benefit from a collaborative work environment in a welcoming office, easily accessible to I-95, with on-site parking in Newton.Good Shepherd Community Care does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex stereotyping, marital status, pregnancy, religion or age in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services and activities. #J-18808-Ljbffr