Child Life Specialist

Job Title: Child Life Specialist

Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr

Department Name: NBI - Valerie Fund

Req #: 0000249530

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $35.46 - $35.46 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Job Overview:

The Child Life Specialist provides optimal developmental and psychosocially appropriate care for pediatric patients & families within our Inpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology unit. Assess children's developmental & coping needs & implements developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions such as play, medical play, psychological preparation & rehearsed coping to minimize distress associated with the healthcare environment & to foster resiliency. Supports patients, siblings, and family during the end of life. Collaborates as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop& administer an individualized plan of care.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in the field of Child life, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Psychology or related field
• Completion of 600-hour Child life internship
• ACLP exam Eligible
• Child Life Certification (CCLS) required within 1 year of employment

Certifications and Licenses Required:

• Child Life Certification (CCLS) required within 1 year of employment

Scheduling Requirements:

• Full-Time (35 hours/week)
• Day Shift

Essential Functions:

• Advocates for the needs of children and youth by maintaining open communication with other healthcare team members
• Integrates multidisciplinary team goals into the child life program
• Communicates concisely to team members integrating child life theory, research and practice at case conferences, rounds and informally
• Consults with Child Life Manager regarding all situations requiring specific attention or follow-up
• Determines and prioritizes needs, scope and depth of child life service required for each patient
• Establishes and maintains therapeutic relationships with children and families,
• Follows established program structure, policies and procedures of medical center
• Gives lectures within the healthcare setting, adapting approaches to content to the audience
• Always maintains the playroom and all equipment in a clean and sanitary manner
• Seeks the involvement of families in their child s, child life goals, matching the expectations with family
• Trains and orients volunteers in the Child Life program
• Matches patients' needs and volunteer's skills in making assignment
• Uses developmentally appropriate play as a primary tool in assessing and meeting the child s psychosocial needs in the healthcare setting
• Uses developmentally appropriate and medically accurate teaching aides and techniques in such a way that the knowledge is increased and determines with the healthcare team, realistic and obtainable goals and objectives for patients learning, and who will address these goals
• Writes concisely, objectively, and accurately in the patient's medical record, documenting developmental and behavioral issues which impact patient care
• Acts as an advocate for families in the health care setting
• Acts as a role model regarding age specific and developmentally appropriate care
• Documents professional assessment in a timely manor
• Educates families regarding children s responses to healthcare environments, coping, chronic illness, and grief

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits and Perks:

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees' physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.


RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey-whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.