Child Life Specialist

Detailed Overview

Under the direction of the Manager, Clinical Operations, plans, initiates and monitors daily activities designed to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of children and adolescents on an assigned unit and promotes an increased understanding of medical events and procedures to help parents recognize the needs of their child. Liaises with members of the interdisciplinary team and observes, records and reports relevant information on patient's behaviour, development levels and individual needs. Provides education to patients and parents, coordinates, orientates and allocates work to volunteer staff and participates on designated program and professional committees and in the development of operational policies and procedures. Responsibilities Plans, initiates and monitors suitable activities for children and adolescents to encourage further social, emotional, intellectual and physical development by methods such as gathering daily information from a variety of sources concerning the conditions, developmental level, interests, capabilities and special problems of each patient and providing toys and games for patients in both the play area and bed rest. Provides appropriate toys, books, equipment and activities to promote increased understanding of medical events and procedures and to help parent recognize the needs of their children while in the hospital and adapts the play activities and materials to suit the special needs of the patient. Liaises with members of the interdisciplinary team including physiotherapy and occupational therapy staff to ensure patient treatment plan is carried out by those departments / programs and that it is reinforced during play periods and communicating treatment plan changes as appropriate. Observes, records and reports relevant information on patients' behaviour, development levels, individual needs and adjustment to hospital environment on the patients' charts and reports same to members of the interdisciplinary team. Charts workload measurement statistics on direct and non-direct patient care in accordance with departmental and professional charting standards and guidelines. Provides education to patients and parents by methods such as developing, preparing and implementing orientation programs as requested, researching topics, preparing documentation and presenting material and brochures. Attends / participates in departmental, hospital and / or region's educational programs as required. Coordinates, orientates and allocates work to volunteers staff assigned to the area. Participates on designated program and professional committees by methods such as attending meetings, providing input and advocating for the goals and objectives of program / service. Participates in the development of operational policies and procedures by methods such as providing input, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team and making recommendations to the Manager, Clinical Operations as requested. Interprets the program to hospital based students and / or other students in related fields by methods such as providing supervised work experience, demonstrating procedures to students as required, providing guidance and support and making recommendations to the Manager, Clinical Operations regarding reporting performance to appropriate originating supervisor / institution. Organizes visits by community groups and special entertainers to the hospital. Maintains equipment and supplies for the program by methods such as checking equipment to ensure proper working order, submitting work order requisitions to appropriate department for maintenance and repair, monitoring supply levels, completing purchase requisitions and forwarding to the Manager, Clinical Operations for signature. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree in a related field such as Child and Youth Care, Child Development, Psychology, Special Education or Family Studies. One year's recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Eligible for membership with Child Life Council or the Canadian Association of Child Life Leaders. Completion of Child Life Certification. Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to work independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others both within and outside the organization. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in a continuously changing environment and take initiative to ensure effective and timely delivery of services. Ability to operate related equipment. Ability to deal with others effectively. Demonstrated ability to relate to children, adolescents and families. Knowledge of medical procedures and terminology. Demonstrated knowledge of how to modify and adapt activities, equipment and / or facilities to meet specific individual and / or group needs. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.