Child Life Specialist

Job TitleChild Life SpecialistJob DescriptionProvides evidence-based, developmentally appropriate child life interventions that include therapeutic play, preparation, and education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children. Develops and delivers skilled child life services focused on the developmental, emotional, and psychosocial needs of the child. Serves as a preceptor in the onboarding of newly hired team members, directly orienting to day-to-day routines and procedures and departmental and hospital policies. Advocates and serves as an educational resource with the healthcare team. Develops departmental educational opportunities both within the department and with other medical disciplines. Directs daily activities, oversees project work, conducts weekly conferences, evaluates, and takes responsibility for preparing complex care plans for student interns. Serves as a resource for special projects as assigned.Essential FunctionsPrepares children and families for healthcare experiences by providing developmentally appropriate explanations and facilitates support through medical events.Assesses coping responses and needs of children and families to healthcare experience. Reviews comprehensive information related to all assigned patients daily. Develops plans to address assessed needs of the child and family. Continually evaluates the 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 the expression of feelings and promote a sense of mastery and understanding of healthcare experience. Advocates 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 provides individualized support for siblings and peers that is cognizant of cultural needs.Communicates effectively with members of the healthcare team in sharing observations, assessments, and recommendations for care. Educates team members on the developmental needs of children. Educates and advocates for therapeutic, safe, and inviting spaces for children, youth, and families.Leads and participates in supervision of child life interns, volunteers, students and others participating in child life services, including selection, training, and placement.Assists in the coordination of child life program activities and community groups and special programs within the department, including public relations involvement as assigned. Participates in team meetings and orientation to the department infrastructure, policies, protocols, and workflow. Participates in in-service education and continuing education opportunities and professional organizations. Remains compliant with all hospital and department policies, procedures, and standards of the team. Oversees the collection, selection and distribution of toys and equipment used in the program. Monitors and maintains use and condition of supplies, equipment, and materials within policies and guidelines necessary to provide child life services.Other duties as assigned.Minimum Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in area related to Child Growth and Development and 3 years relevant experience, including some supervisory experience requiredOr equivalent combination of education and experience3 years of progressive work experience on the child life team with demonstrated job-related knowledge and proficiency requiredKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesStrong communication (both written and verbal), interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills requiredAbility to collaborate with team members and families requiredAbility to potentially work Weekends/Evenings based on practice need requiredLicenses and CertificationsCCLS - Certified Child Life Specialist Child Life Professional Certification upon hire required andAssociation of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) upon hire requiredThe University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture 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 characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.