Summary:

The Child Life Specialist Sr. demonstrates advanced skill and knowledge of the therapeutic process of working with children and families; evaluating their development skills and psychosocial needs and providing them with a variety of appropriate and purposeful medical play and developmental experiences that will elevate their quality of life during the health care visit and enhance their personal development. Facilitates child life advocacy through collaboration with other health care providers. Serves as a leader in the department, the hospital, and the community. Assumes responsibility for department function in the absence of the Manager as determined by the Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Assesses the patients and families to include development, family stressors, impact of procedures, diagnosis, and health care; identifies complex needs for child life intervention.
• Observes and interprets the child/family's response to health care and illness.
• Implements planned and purposeful play activities /interventions which are supportive of the child's needs during the health care visit.
• Assesses and facilitates, through informal interaction and/or formal structured support groups or classes, topics such as stress & coping, adapting to illness & the health care experience, family dynamics, and other parenting-related topics.
• Documents observations of patient and family and patient response to interventions.
• Plans for, orders, and collects needed materials and equipment to support the therapeutic and educational activities within budgeted guidelines and in consultation with the Manager.
• Maintains an accurate account of patient contacts and other related productivity information.
• Serves as a resource to patients, families, and other healthcare team members regarding services available through child life and the community.
• Evaluates Child Life Programming in collaboration with the Manager.
• Supervises and guides interns, volunteers, and students in their Child Life learning experiences to include lectures, patient assignments, performance evaluation, and references, with direction from the Manager.
• Must have knowledge of growth and development, patient/family reactions to hospitalization, and coping strategies.
• Must possess interpersonal skills and communicate effectively.
• Must have a working knowledge of educational development.
• Must understand hospital policies and medical terminology/procedures.

Job Requirements:

Education/Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life or a related field is required
• Master?s degree in a related field is preferred
• Under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist, must have completed a 600-hour child life internship
• Bilingual ? English/Spanish is preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years paid experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• Must maintain Child Life Certification
• BLS certification is required

In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.

Work Schedule:

5 Days - 8 Hours

Work Type:

Full Time

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About CHRISTUS Health

CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve.

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