Child Life Specialist 1

Job TitleProvides therapeutic play, recreation and stimulation activities to hospitalized infants, children and adolescents to minimize the negative impact of illness and hospitalization to children and their families.Job DescriptionDemonstrates proficiency and competence in all aspects of job responsibilities and expectations, and consistently demonstrates initiative to assist in other specialists when the need arises. Able to work with volunteers, students, and interns [if eligible] to rotate them through child life projects and responsibilities with supervision. Demonstrates consistent attention to detail when evaluating patient needs in consultation with other members of the health care team (i.e. nursing, physicians, social work, and clinicians). Develops plan to address assessed needs of child and family. Advocates through education with healthcare team.Essential FunctionsReceives referrals on all newly admitted pediatric patients. Evaluates patient needs in consultation with other members of the health care team. Prepares individual child life care plans for all inpatients. Provides daily program of therapeutic play, recreation, stimulation, emotional support to groups of patients and/or individuals according to their needs, capabilities and interests.Implements therapeutic programs designed to meet the physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs of pediatric patients.Observes and records the behavior of patients. Interprets and reports assessments to members of the health team through verbal or written reports. Makes recommendations for patient care based on observations and knowledge of child growth and development. Participates in re-evaluation and planning for care of long term and/or complex patients, as a member of the pediatric unit based health care team. Serves as a patient advocate.Receives, acknowledges and distributes monetary and supplies donations. Oversees the collection, selection and distribution of toys and equipment and ensures use in a safe and effective manner. Assists in the maintenance of toys, equipment and storage facilities and evaluation, and purchase of supplies and equipment. Coordinates the expenditure of the program including the supply and equipment budget. Monitors budget.Provides support and education to families of hospitalized patients, within family centered philosophy.Participates in pediatric inpatient student education, including presentations to house staff and medical students, discussions with Nursing students related to patient care observations and experiences, orientation classes and in-service education programs for Nursing staff, supervision of interns.Participates in selection of new staff. Coordinates Child Life activities and coordinates activities in conjunction with other departmental special programs.Supervises Child Life student interns. Interviews, orients to duties, directs daily activities, supervises project work, conducts weekly conferences, evaluates and initiates contact with course coordinators at home institution.Supervises volunteers, including selection, training and placement. Coordinates the activities of guests of community groups involved with special programs. Participates in presentations to press, radio and television as needed.Oversees the collection, selection and distribution of toys and equipment and ensures used safely and effectively. Assists in the maintenance of toys, equipment and storage facilities and evaluations and purchase of supplies and equipment.Stays abreast of current trends within the profession through readings and participation in in-service education and continuing educational opportunities and professional organizations.Other duties as assigned.Minimum Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in an area related to Child Growth and Development and 2 years relevant experience requiredOr equivalent combination of education and experienceMinimum of 18 months of progressive work experience within the child life team with demonstrated job-related knowledge and proficiency requiredLicenses and CertificationsCCLS - Certified Child Life Specialist 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.