Child Life Specialist, Child and Youth Therapeutic Services, Children's and Women's

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Reporting to the Director of Patient Experience, provides activities which further the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of children and youth. The Child Life Specialist functions as a member of the Child Life Department and as a member of an assigned health care team and in accordance with the professional standards of practice of the Child Life Council.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Plans, initiates, and supervises activities that foster continued growth and development in children and youth, based on daily information concerning the health care condition, developmental level, and interests by methods such as providing play materials for patients in play areas and at the bedside.
2. Provides opportunities for adaptation to the hospital environment and an understanding of medical experiences by providing play materials, opportunities for health care play, and developmental information.
3. Supports children, youth and caregivers throughout the challenges of hospitalization and illness by identifying and encouraging effective coping techniques.
4. Prepares children, youth, and families cognitively and emotionally for medical and surgical procedures through methods such as play, demonstration and/or dialogue. Provides support as part of the treatment plan including accompanying child to procedure or Operating Room and being present during a procedure to decrease stress and anxiety.
5. Provides guidance, support and supervision to students and volunteers.
6. Observes, records, and reports relevant information relating to the patients as it pertains to Child Life, and works in collaboration with the family and health care team regarding the care of the patient.
7. Plans, implements and evaluates a goal oriented plan of care and documents assessment information, goals, interventions, incident reports, statistics, and progress notes.
8. Collaborates with members of the health care team and communicates child life issues of paediatric health care by participating in psychosocial rounds, team meetings, and case discussions.
9. Maintains the playroom environment, toys, equipment and supplies used in the program to ensure patient safety and to meet departmental standards.
10. Works collaboratively with other members of the department/program in the development, preparation, and implementation of orientation programs and education information.
11. Participates in weekly staff meetings, quality assurance initiatives, and in setting departmental goals and objectives by providing recommendations regarding new initiatives and/or changes to existing programs to the Director.
12. Participates in continuing educational opportunities, both as a presenter and as a participant, and reports information back to the department and the health care team.
13. Participates in the planning and implementation of special events and in the organization of entertainment for patients and families.
14. Works in collaboration with other hospital departments such as Foundation, Volunteer Services, and Community Relations to meet the needs of patients and families.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child & Youth Care from a recognized program.
• Completion of a practicum/internship in child life, and one (1) year’s recent related experience working with children and families, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Meets the eligibility requirements to write the Child Life Certification Examination.

Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to assess and interact with patients and families applying theories of human growth and development, family systems, and cultural diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to represent and communicate the role of child life to others.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated ability work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability work effectively with others.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.