Child Life Assistant

Child Life Assistant, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Join a team where compassion meets purpose every single day. You'll have the profound opportunity to transform some of the most challenging moments in a child's life into experiences of hope, comfort, and resilience. This isn't just a jobit's a calling to be the steady, caring presence that children and families need during their cancer journey.

You'll deliver vital family support while collaborating closely with oncology patient navigators, social workers, providers, and foundations to ensure comprehensive, holistic care. When needed, you'll support other child life specialists across departments, bringing your specialized skills wherever they're needed most.

Your schedule will be Monday through Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM. If you're ready to use your skills to make a lasting difference in the lives of children facing cancer, we'd be honored to have you join our team. Apply today and become part of something truly extraordinary.

Banner Thunderbird Medical Center (BTMC) and Banner Children's Hospital at Thunderbird provide a preferred destination for surgical, oncological, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedic, pediatric, and women and infant services achieved through best-in-class 5-star CMS rating to provide patients with high quality, safe care for the best possible experience. Our campus is one of the largest campuses in the Banner network with over 3000 employees. BTMC was voted Best of the Best in 2023 by Banner Health out of 30 hospitals. This is the most prestigious award one of our largest hospitals can receive for consistently meeting our annual targets. If you would like to contribute to truly leading edge caring, we invite you to bring your experience and skills to Banner Thunderbird.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position helps to maintain a safe, healing environment for children. Assists in meeting the needs of children and families to reduce the stress accompanying hospitalization. Serves patients from birth to 18 years of age.

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Trains and supervises volunteers, including university students who are completing volunteer hours as part of their course of study surrounding child development, pediatric nursing, etc. This function includes the orientation, supervision and recognition of volunteers of all ages and walks of life, to provide training specific to the needs of the hospitalized child, ensure a safe environment for pediatric patients, and effective use of volunteer time. Also encompasses networking with community groups and organizations to nurture relationships, and to draw volunteer talent in exchange for rewarding experience and education.
• Monitors and maintains safe, organized, and clean playroom, toys, and other materials used to provide activities for children. Includes following infection control policies and procedures to maintain regulatory standards, and teaching these procedures to volunteers. Knowledgeable about isolation practices and educates volunteers and visitors about these practices and the reasons for them.
• Assists in planning and conducting group activities in the playroom and individual activities in the patient's room. Activities must be tailored to the specific developmental needs of hospitalized children.
• Interacts with potential donor groups regarding the needs of hospitalized children, children's medical center, and how they can help. Provides tours, receives donations, determines appropriateness and prepares for use. Professionally acknowledges all donations.
• Assists with detailed planning of events, hosts and monitors visits from entertainers, community groups, or others interested in helping our patients. Assists with the maintenance of patient confidentiality and safety throughout these visits. Provides education to community groups wishing to learn about the developmental needs of hospitalized patients.
• Provides assistance to nursing staff with high need patients. Assesses needs of hospitalized children, and communicates in a developmentally appropriate manner. Interactions with children and families reflect an understanding of growth and development, family centered care, and of the potential stress associated with illness, injury and the health care experience. Knowledgeable about available resources and provides assistance with coping through identification and use of these resources.
• Although based in pediatrics, incumbents may be called to serve in any area of the hospital where there are children, including emergency services areas, surgery and waiting areas for the adult units. The position will serve on facility.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The position requires knowledge normally associated with completion of an Associate' Degree or equivalent in a related area. The position also requires skills and abilities typically gained through 1 year of experience in working with children. Must demonstrate responsibility, flexibility, and sensitivity to children.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is a requirement of the job.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Hospital pediatric experience, special education or experience working with developmentally disabled children is highly desirable. A Bachelor's Degree in a related area is preferred. Additional related education and/or experience preferred.