Child Life Specialist - Galveston (Casual Appointment)

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. 

Salary:

Actual salary commensurate with experience.

Work Schedule:

Casual Appointment (Less than 19.99/week)

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.