Child Life Specialist - Galveston **Galveston, Texas, United States** **New** Patient Care UTMB Health Requisition # 2505406 **EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE** **Minimum Qualifications:** + Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field **Preferred Qualifications:** + Master’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field + One (1) to three (3) years of experience in a healthcare setting **LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS** **Required:** + Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or ability to obtain within one year of hire **JOB DESCRIPTION** **Function:** To provide evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children and youth (Association of Child Life Professionals, 2018) **ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS** + Commitments to Child Life philosophies, policies and guidelines in supporting and planning programs for families of chronically ill and hospitalized children. + Assess and prioritize patient/family needs for child life intervention. + Support patients and family members in coping with the stresses associated with the health care experience. + Provide opportunities for and facilitate a variety of group and individual play recreation and activities that promote development, self-expression, and mastery. + Evaluate emotional, social, mental and physical condition of referred patients utilizing therapeutic interventions and assessments. + Support family-centered care through communication and involvement of parents and other family members. + Provide education regarding illness/condition, treatment, and coping techniques to patients, family members, and the larger community as appropriate. + Function and consult as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, integrating goals and plans to promote optimal patient care that is family-centered, developmentally appropriate, and psychosocially sound. + Plan, implement and document treatment plans/outcomes for patients. + Maintain equipment and supplies. + Plan and implement additional Child Life activities e.g. special events, patient/family workshops. + Interface with donors, community groups and others vital to the continued growth of Child Life and UTMB Health System programs and visions. + Orient and supervise volunteers. + Provide education and in-service training regarding Child Life Services to patients, families, medical staff of various disciplines, and students. + Participate in professional development to enhance job performance and contribute to the accomplishment of Child Life department and UTMB hospital missions and goals. + Commitment to team planning, problem solving and collaborative efforts. Strong interpersonal communication and listening skills. + Adheres to Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) Core Competencies and Professional Standards of Practice. **Marginal or Periodic Functions:** **Program Development and Leadership (Advanced Level CLS)** + Provides direct oversight, coordination, and management of the Child Life Program. + Planning and development of programs to enhance the pediatric experience. + Designs programs and directs activities to help children cope with hospitalization, reduce anxiety about treatment, and foster academic development according the Association of Child Life Professionals. + Identification and advocacy to provide necessary program resources. + Participation in the budget process and business planning, as needed, to ensure program continuity and funding. + Community outreach demonstrating program leadership with clinics, local pediatric institutions, and educational programs as indicated. + Communication with vendors, community groups, and donors to facilitate products (books, toys, educational needs, etc.) for UTMB pediatric patients. + Develops and implements constructive approaches to problem identification and solutions. + Performs related duties as required. **KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES** + Ability to interact with seriously ill children of all developmental levels, their siblings, parents and other extended family members. + Ability to assess situations with patients and families as they relate to specific needs for Child Life intervention (medical play, coping skills, etc.). + Ability to function well in multidisciplinary team settings. + Understanding of growth & development, family dynamics, learning theory, medical play, therapeutic play and activity programming. **Equal Employment Opportunity** UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Compensation