Summary

Responsible for development, coordination and implementation of therapeutic, educational, and recreational Child Life Program for patients based on an understanding of normal development and the impact that illness, injury, disability, and hospitalization have on this process. Participates in the coordination of events; assumes responsibility for planning, implementing, and evaluating activities and interactions for patients and their families to support development, meet emotional needs, and provide diversion. Under direct supervision, actively manages the psychosocial experience of patients and families during the medical experience. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Education/Experience/Licensure

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of children's reactions and coping mechanisms in hospitalization and illness.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to obtain the cooperation of patients and patient families.
• Skill and ability to role model professional skills and behaviors.
• Demonstrates competency in performing the essentials functions of the job.
• Demonstrates knowledge and application of patient and family centered care.
• Demonstrates collaborative orientation to working with patients and families.
• Ability to implement therapeutic play activities for individuals and group
• Ability to assess patient behavior.
• Ability to build and maintain cohesive teams.
• Ability to work rotating shifts.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Assesses, develops, and implements appropriate individual treatment plans based on assessments of child's development, medical plan, and available support systems.
• Participates in interdisciplinary healthcare teams and provides consultation regarding the development status/individual needs of the child to promote adaptation to treatment.
• Facilitates a variety of play interventions which promote self-healing, self-expression, understanding and mastery. Provides support during procedures as requested.
• Provides clinical interactions in a manner supporting the tenets of patient and family centered care.

Physical Requirements

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.