Child Life Specialist - Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia, Evanston Township (VA, MN, IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading children's hospital as a Child Life Specialist, where you'll play a vital role in supporting pediatric patients and their families. This position focuses on addressing the emotional and developmental needs of children facing healthcare challenges. You'll engage in therapeutic play, prepare families for medical procedures, and collaborate with a dedicated team to create a nurturing environment. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and their families during difficult times, this opportunity is perfect for you. Be part of a compassionate team committed to enhancing the healthcare experience for young patients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life or related field required.
• Completion of at least 480 hours of Child Life Internship required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare children and families for medical procedures.
• Facilitate supervised medical play opportunities for patients.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for programming.

Skills

Therapeutic Play

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Patient Assessment

Coping Strategies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Life

Child Life Internship (480 hours)

Job description

This is your opportunity to be a part of the #1 Children's Hospital in Virginia, functioning as a member of the Child Life Team. A child life specialist collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to meet the psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and their families. The Child Life Specialist is responsible for providing services to pediatric patients and their families, including developmentally appropriate procedural preparation and support, therapeutic play, and education related to illness and medical treatment.

Our Child Life Specialists are valued members of the pediatric healthcare team who focus on the emotional, social, and developmental needs of hospitalized children and adolescents. This professional works with ill or injured children and adolescents across the continuum of care to increase coping and decrease stress, anxiety, and trauma often associated with hospitalization and healthcare experiences.

We have openings in:

• Pediatric Acute Care
• Pediatric outpatient surgical center
• Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (Heme/Onc)

- Starting Pay is $24.52

Responsibilities include:

1. Recognize and address the importance of therapeutic play in facilitating children's mastery of and coping with healthcare experiences.
2. Observe and assess patient and family learning styles, diagnostic understanding, and needs.
3. Prepare children and families for medical procedures.
4. Facilitate supervised medical play opportunities for patients and their siblings to support coping skills.
5. Assist patients with chronic illnesses and their families in coping with diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, and loss.
6. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create and facilitate programming and/or special events.
7. Treat children, parents, and team members with dignity and respect.
8. Establish relationships with team members and families that reflect family-centered care principles.
9. Work effectively as part of a team with administration, team members, and volunteers to ensure communication and that responsibilities are met.
10. Maintain records.
11. Meet training requirements annually.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Position Compensation Range:

$21.95 - $34.02 Hourly

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Child Life or Child Development related field required. Completion of at least 480 hours of Child Life Internship required.
• Licensure: Child Life Professional Certification within one year of hire required. AHA BLS certification required.

Physical Demands:

Standing for prolonged periods, frequent bending/stooping. Proficient communication, auditory, and visual skills; attention to detail; ability to lift/push/pull 20-50 lbs. May be exposed to noise, blood, body fluids, and infectious diseases.

The University of Virginia, including UVA Health System, is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of age, race, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, or other protected status.