Child Life Specialist, Associate

Child Life Specialist

Hours: This position primarily works daylight hours, Monday through Friday. One holiday and three Saturdays per year are also required.

Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary within the Child Life Specialist Career ladder, based on their individual experience and education.

A Child Life Specialist is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate education, preparation and programming which optimizes growth and development of children, supports and maintains normal living patterns and minimizes psychosocial trauma associated with healthcare experiences. They possess a theoretical knowledge base of normal child development and the psychosocial effects of hospitalization and illness on children and families.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide developmentally appropriate preparation, explanations and emotional support for medical procedures, hospitalization and transitions.
• Assess developmental and psychosocial needs, document findings and implement individualized child life care plans.
• Facilitate therapeutic play and activities that promote coping, emotional expression and understanding of healthcare experiences.
• Communicate patient needs and child development considerations to the healthcare team through rounds, documentation and care conferences.
• Support families through bereavement, loss and difficult conversations, and connect them with appropriate services and resources.
• Build rapport with patients and families, orient them to the hospital environment and support healthy family and peer relationships.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Psychology or a related health care major.
• Completion of a 600-hour Child Life Internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Certified Child Life Counsel Certification (CCLS) required within 1 year of hire.
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Act 31 / Act 33 / Act 34 / Act 73 with renewal.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran