Lead Child Life Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

This role reports to a Manager/Director with leadership responsibilities. The child life specialist will assess, plan, and provide child life services to all pediatric patients within the hospital, adapting interventions to meet individual developmental and emotional needs.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Patient Care Apply formal and informal techniques to assess developmental level and emotional state, and cycle through assessment, plan, intervention, and evaluation. Prioritize child life services based on susceptibility to stress and trauma. Collaborate with the service team to create a collaborative plan of care. Identify therapeutic approaches that facilitate open‑ended, developmentally supportive play and expressive arts. Provide minimal direct patient care when required. Child CAHPS – Inpatient Overall Likelihood to Recommend (Nursing Units) Professional Development & Responsibility Identify and participate in professional development opportunities such as conferences and other child life field events. Incorporate evidence‑based practice into decisions about assessment, care, and evaluation. Implement a professional development plan based on population needs and current skill level. Assist the coordinator in developing and updating policies, procedures, and methods to improve patient outcomes. Provide minimal professional development expectations. Community Education Provide child life education to agencies or institutions outside the hospital. Provide information on child life services to other disciplines within the hospital. Educate and supervise child life volunteers; assist the coordinator in supervising practicum students. Evaluate and modify student and volunteer programs as needed. Participate in community outreach opportunities and child life in‑services. Hospital Wide Quality Metrics – monitoring hand‑washing compliance among staff. Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in child life or a related child development field, plus completion of a minimum of 480 hours child life internship. Two years of experience preferred. REQUIRED LICENSURES / CERTIFICATIONS / REGISTRATIONS Completion of a minimum of 480‑hour child life internship Child Life Professional Certification (or eligible within one year of hire) CPR Certification

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Understanding of human/child growth and development theory and practice.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS

This position requires close interaction with ancillary departments to facilitate a quality multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES

Work often requires standing, walking, lifting, and transporting supplies. Medium physical demand. Adequate hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills are required. Near vision acuity is needed to work with charts and records.

ENVIRONMENTAL / WORKING CONDITIONS

Work occurs in a well‑lit, heated, ventilated building with hours varying to accommodate departmental needs. Low risk of exposure to blood‑borne pathogens. May be required to work in areas beyond the primary assignment.

EEO STATEMENT

UMC Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr UMC Health System