General Description:

Under minimal direction, responsible for implementing educational, recreational and therapeutic programs and activities which enhance the psychosocial support provided to patients and families.

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position.  Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position. 

• Designs activities that promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of children. 
• Serves as an advisor to hospital staff on the psychosocial needs of children and their families.
• Utilizes health care play, developmentally appropriate activities, volunteer workers and educational materials to help children and families adjust to the hospital environment and to prepare them for events related to illness and hospitalization. 
• Assists with process improvement studies in the areas of psychosocial and developmental disciplines.

General Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Baccalaureate Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Recreational Therapy or a closely related field.  Completion of a recognized Child Life Internship which consists of at least 480 hours under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.

Experience: None

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required: Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) OR eligible to sit for the exam. Current Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association required upon hire.

Special Requirement: Certified eligible incumbents may continue in this classification for up to 12 months and must pass the Child Life Certification examination within that timeframe. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Must have knowledge of the theories of play, family systems, cultural awareness and human growth and development.  Must have effective oral and written communication skills.   Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team.  Skill in the supervision of students and volunteers.  Must have good interpersonal skills to develop effective working relationships and to deal with difficult family/individual dynamics. Knowledge of performance improvement tools and how to monitor an ongoing process.  Skill in planning programs and analyzing the problems that arise.  Good presentation skills for representing the Child Life Department to internal and external audiences.  Computer skills and a general knowledge of office procedures.