Child Life Specialist, Associate

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Child Life Specialist to join their team in Pittsburgh. This full-time role involves supporting children and families during medical encounters, providing emotional support, and creating individualized care plans. You will collaborate with healthcare staff to ensure a safe and supportive environment for patients. If you are passionate about child development and want to make a difference in the lives of young patients, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life or related field required.
• Completion of a Child Life Internship is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Child Life Assistants and train students.
• Provide emotional support during medical procedures.

Skills

Child Development

Communication Skills

Emotional Support

Assessment Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Life

Child Life Internship

Job description

Join to apply for the Child Life Specialist, Associate role at UPMC.

Overview

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is hiring a full-time Child Life Specialist to work at the main hospital in Lawrenceville, PA.

Responsibilities

1. Supervise and assess Child Life Assistants; assist in training and supervising students and volunteers.
2. Communicate developmentally appropriate explanations of medical encounters to patients and families.
3. Support patients and families in understanding hospitalization and illness through preparation and debriefing.
4. Offer emotional support during medical procedures using stress point coping techniques.
5. Assess and document developmental and psychosocial needs to create individualized child life plans.
6. Maintain a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment.
7. Provide therapeutic activities to encourage emotional expression and understanding of healthcare.
8. Address death, bereavement, and loss with patients and families when appropriate.
9. Collaborate with healthcare staff to communicate patient needs and development issues.
10. Refer patients and families to appropriate support services as needed.
11. Advocate for Family-Centered Care, helping patients and families transition between home and hospital environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Psychology, or a related healthcare major.
• Completion of a 480-hour Child Life Internship under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist, which qualifies for sitting the Child Life Professional Certification Examination.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

• Certification as a Child Life Specialist, required within 1 year of hire.
• CPR certification based on AHA standards within 30 days of hire.
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal.
• Acts 33, 34, and 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.

Additional Details

• Employment Type: Full-time
• Job Function: Other
• Industry: Hospitals and Healthcare

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.