Child Life Specialist- Palliative Care

Primary Purpose

Assess the pediatric patients' psychosocial and developmental needs during hospitalization and developing a plan for the facilitation of therapeutic interventions. Promote the pediatric patient's normal growth and development while in the health care setting and after returning home. Provide assessment, intervention(s), education and resources/referral(s) for children/siblings of hospitalized patients.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

Education
- Bachelors or Master’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or a closely related field in accordance with the ACLP.

Experience
- Child Life internship completed. One year of child life experience preferred.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

- Must have licensure as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) within six months of hire date.

Skills or Special Abilities
 

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication in a professional manner on the phone and in person

• Must be able to interact effectively and positively with peers, executive and medical staff, patients/families, community groups and clients

• Must have effective organization skills and attention to detail

• Must be able to provide clear and accurate direction and guidance

• Demonstrate cultural awareness while interacting with patients, families and medical staff from varied backgrounds

• Seek advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding and collaboration

Responsibilities

Assess patient's psychosocial/developmental needs and facilitate interventions such as coping assessment, individual support, group support, procedural and surgical preparation and support, medical play, and developmental screening and age appropriate education.

Provides psychosocial support and opportunities for continued coping mastery and normal growth and development. Including, but limited to, post-hospital interventions, school re-entry programs, and referrals to school and various community programs.

Assists with the identification and implementation of non-pharmacological pain management techniques in the pediatric patient.

Provides information and support to parents/caregivers regarding developmental needs and interventions including behavior, discipline and parenting issues, infant brain development and health related issues concerning their child.

Participates in multidisciplinary meetings including daily rounds, patient care conferences, develops and maintains effective working relationships with members of the heath care team. Including any trauma or event debriefings.

Identifies and coordinates family meetings based on the identified needs of the pediatric patient and/or sibling(s).

Provides grief and bereavement support to children and/or siblings of hospitalized patients.

Prepares siblings/parents/caregivers for visitation and anticipated events related to treatment, and provides sibling/parents/caregivers support.

Maintains appropriate documentation in patient medical records in relation to developmental needs and coping.

Provides interdisciplinary in-services and student teaching regarding developmental concerns and the impact of illness, injury and hospitalization on children and families, as needed. Presents educational programs regarding child development to staff.

Assists with coordinating community donations for the pediatric patient populations, serves as a liaison to the Parkland Foundation for donor events as they relate to their service areas.

Orders, stocks and maintains supplies, as needed for patient population.

Job Accountabilities

Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.

Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.

Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.