This position will work as needed

Job Description and Essential Functions

Job Title/Position: Child Life Specialist

Job Classification: Direct Patient Care / Hands-On Care

Date of Analysis: 7/1/2013 Date of Revision/Review: 5/19/2015, 06/2018, 06/2021

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Brief Description of Job Responsibilities:

The Child Life Specialist (CLS) in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Prevea Clinic is responsible for providing activities, procedural preparation and emotional support designed to help patients and their families cope with the stress of a hospital experience. With an understanding of child growth and development and the impact that medical experience can have on this process, the CLS is a resource for other professionals. As an integral part of the health care team, the CLS is an advocate for the needs of children and families.

1. Facilitates improvements and on-going maintenance of pediatric play spaces and waiting rooms to promote child and family --friendly environments.
2. Provide care plans for individuals for groups based on assessment of the child`s development, temperament, coping style, culture, spirituality, potential stressors, family needs and social supports.
3. Provide psychological preparation, support and distraction for potentially stressful experiences.
4. Provide consultation regarding the unique needs of children and families to promote healthy coping with potentially stressful events and circumstances.
5. Give follow-up care for children and families, where necessary and appropriate.
6. Coordinate and facilitate school re-entry for children who have a chronic illness. With the family`s permission, we will provide educational resources to students and school faculty about the children who will be coming back to their classes.
7. Is knowledgeable of and adheres to the competencies of the CLS as specified by the Child Life Council including.
   1. The ability to assess and interact with patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems and cultural background.
   2. The ability to provide a therapeutic and safe environment for individuals and groups, ages 0-21.
   3. The ability to function as a member of and integrate the Child Life program into the health care team.
   4. The ability to assist patients in coping with the stress of hospitalization, illness, death and/or loss.
   5. The ability to participate in patient/family teaching.
   6. Represents and communicates Child Life and psychosocial issues of pediatric health care to others.
   7. The ability to supervise Child Life interns, students and volunteers.
8. Provide support and safe outlets for patients and families to communicate their anxieties about medical experiences.
9. Use non-pharmacological techniques for pain management
10. Coordinate patients and families with the Bravery Bead program and keep each participant current on their earned beads.
11. Use medical play and developmentally appropriate language and teaching tools to ensure adequate preparation for medical interventions and encourage understanding the mastery of diagnosis, medical care and experiences.
12. Provide opportunities for developmentally appropriate play and activities for the purpose of distraction, as an outlet for feelings and to ease fear and anxiety as well as helping to normalize the environment.
13. Record census and intervention data in data base or appropriate binder.
14. Recognize special events, birthdays, holidays and milestones.
15. Coordinate special events and outings for clinic patients and family members (Celebrate Life, Christmas Party, Sibling Day)
16. Serve as a liaison and contact source to organizations and resources that offer patient benefits (scholarships, retreat camps)

Specialized Responsibilities:

Performance Requirements:

1. Ability to patiently and joyfully work with children
2. Ability to work within a team
3. Responsibility of caring for a child

Education/Experience/Certifications:

1. Bachelor or Master`s degree in Child Life, child development or related field
2. Child Life certification preferred within one year from date of hire
3. Four hundred eighty hour child life internship completed under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist

Non-Essential Duties: Other duties as assigned within scope of practice

Typical Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a clinical setting along with an office / playroom setting. They are frequently dealing with patients and are susceptible to outside disease. Work in a slower paced environment needing to take time to help children and their families deal with illness.

Typical Physical Demands:

A CLS is required to be able to carry a heavy baby to a toddler weighing up to about 40 pounds and also carry a toy bag many times a day that weighs about 25 pounds. They also need to be able to push a game cart around that takes 20 pounds of force and wheelchair patients around when needed with up to 70 pounds of push force. This job involves frequent bending, kneeling, and twisting. Requires corrected vision to 20/30 and hearing to normal range.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United State and to complete the required employment eligibility document form upon hire. Prevea participates in E-verify. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify