Child Life Specialist, Certified CLS, New Brunswick, NJ

Job Title: Child Life Specialist

Location: Bristol Myers Squibb Hospital

Department Name: Child Life Program

Req #: 0000209477

Status: Salaried

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $30.02 - $30.02 per year

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated annual salary 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.

Main Function:

To promote optimal development and prevent psychological trauma in hospitalized children and adolescents by providing child life programming for specified populations within the Children s Hospital. This role will also support children of adult patients.

Essential Functions:

Uses developmentally appropriate methods in preparing children and families for diagnostic and treatment procedures,

Utilizes stress reduction techniques to facilitate adaptive coping, including

- support before, during and after medical procedures

- utilizing age appropriate coping techniques such as distraction, relaxation and guided imagery

Provides emotional support to patients and family members during identified stress points,

Offers counsel specific to the impact of health care experiences,

Provides ongoing support and counsel to family members with respect to their own stress and needs,

Demonstrates a commitment to partnering with our patients and their family members in the development and improvement of programs, policies and processes that shape patient, family and staff experiences across the organization by implementing the core principles of patient and family centered care and incorporating into daily practice,

Develops new programs for a specified unit/program within the Children s Hospital which supports the mission and enhances Child Life Programming,

Seeks opportunities within department and throughout hospital to develop initiatives to enhance the care provided to patients and families,

Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team and provides consultation to the healthcare team regarding the developmental status and individual needs of children to promote adaptation to treatment,

Documents assessment and plan of care to facilitate an interdisciplinary approach to care,

Provides inservices for various departments/staff members on child life programming and psychosocial care of children and families,

Provides programs which assure continuity in the child s normal life experiences, including birthday and holiday celebrations, monthly events from community sponsors, and various special events,

Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development,

Assesses data reflective of the patient s status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient s requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs,

Applies the knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit,

Provides the care needed as described in the department s policies and procedures,

Indirect Patient Care:

Participates in ongoing outreach and education within the hospital and community, including:

- Participation in community outreach programs within the hospital and community on children s health care needs,

- Supervision of child life interns, practicum students and volunteers within the

- child life program,

- Participation in educational programs/lectures to facilitate child life/children s health care initiatives,

Facilitates management and organization of activity centers and storage facilities by:

- selecting supplies/equipment appropriate for patient needs

- utilizing supplies/equipment in an efficient and economical manner

- maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients and families

- adhering to all regulatory and department guidelines for environment of care

Documents child life programming as assigned, including patient needs, project initiatives, and unit based reports,

Professional Practice and Development:

Keeps self current in the field of child life by reading professional journals and attending lectures,

Maintains membership and participates in professional organizations,

Pursues opportunities for professional presentations,

Demonstrates interactions with staff members that are evident of team building

EDUCATION

Bachelor s ded development, education or related field required,

Masters degree preferred,

EXPERIENCE

Child Life Internship required,

CERTIFICATION

Child Life Certification preferred upon hiring,

Child Life Certification required within one year of employment and maintained throughout employment,

INTERRELATIONSHIPS

Patients, families, medial staff, nursing and hospital personnel,

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

Frequent pushing, pulling, lifting, walking and standing and reaching,

Intact vision, hearing and speech,

Manual dexterity,

Must be able to function under rapidly changing and stressful conditions,

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Exposure to blood, excrement and possible exposure to infectious and communicable diseases,

APPROVED BY:

________________________________ Date: _______________

Director, Child Life Program

________________________________ Date: _______________

Vice President, Nursing and Patient Services

________________________________ Date: _______________

Vice President, Human Resources