Lead Child Life Specialist

Job description

We’ve learned that what is best for patients is also best for employees. Learn more about why we are one of the Best Companies to Work for in Texas®. JOB SUMMARY: This individual works under the supervision of a Manager/Director with Leadership Responsibilities. This position can cover a range of experience and expertise, from an entry level position to an advanced position. This child life specialist will primarily be responsible for assessing, planning, and providing child life services to all pediatric patients within the hospital. JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: • Direct Patient Care o Apply formal and informal techniques to assess developmental level and emotional state. Apply the cyclical process of assessment, plan, intervention, and evaluation of services to keep assessments accurate and up to date = 4 o Prioritize child life services based on susceptibility to stress and trauma. Integrate the strengths and resources of the child and family into the plan of care = 3 o Effectively collaborate with members of the service team to create a collaborative plan of care =2 o Identify therapeutic approaches that facilitate open-ended, developmentally supportive play and expressive arts = 1 o CCLS provides minimal expectation of direct patient care = 0 • Child CAHPS - Inpatient Overall Likelihood to Recommend (Nursing Units) • Professional Development/Responsibility o Identify/participate in resources and opportunities for professional development (ex: Annual Child Life Conference, Texas Child Life Conference, or other events within the child life field) = 4 o Include evidence-based practice in decisions about assessment, care, and evaluation = 3 o Implement a plan for professional development based on the needs of the population served and the knowledge and skill level of the child life specialist = 2 o Assist Coordinator in developing and continually updating policies and procedures as needed. Assist Coordinator in developing methods to improve patient outcomes = 1 o CCLS provides minimal expectation of professional development/responsibility = 0 • Community Education o Provide child life education to agencies or institutions outside of the hospital = 4 o Provide information on child life services to other disciplines throughout the hospital = 3 o Educate and supervise child life volunteers and assist Coordinator in education and supervision of practicum students = 2 o Evaluate student and volunteer programs and modify as needed = 1 o CCLS has not participated in community outreach opportunities or child life in-services = 0 • Hospital Wide Quality Metrics- Did staff wash hands? • Performs other duties as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in child life or child development related field. Completion of a minimum of 480 hours Child Life Internship 2 Years 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: Understand human/child growth and development theory and practice. INTERACTION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS: This position requires close interaction with other ancillary departments in order to facilitate a quality multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES: Work may frequently require standing, walking, lifting, and transporting of supplies. Work is of medium demand. Speaking and hearing to converse with staff members, are required. Adequate hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills are required. Near visual acuity is required to work with charts and records. ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS: Works in well-lighted, heated, ventilated building. Hours may vary to accommodate needs in the department. Exposure to blood borne pathogens is of low risk. May be required to work in areas other than primary assignment. 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. *Request for accommodations in the hire process should be directed to UMC Human Resources.​*