Child Life Specialist jobs in Baltimore, MD

Child Life/Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Provides child life and therapeutic recreation services to children from birth to 21 years of age and other patients as assigned. Performs evaluation, planning, intervention and family education/training. Assesses patients and implements psychosocially oriented individual and group interventions for patients served.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

• Performs direct child life and recreational therapy services to patients in accordance with generally accepted standards, as indicated by the Association of Child Life Professionals and National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, including scope of practice, code of ethics and departmental policies and procedures.
• Advocates for procedural support, community re-integration, wellness-oriented recreation and leisure opportunities, and promotes hospital adjustment and coping interventions for the children as appropriate.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively manage goal oriented individual and group programming, including the ability to independently plan and carry out community-based programs, school re-entry programs, outpatient clinics or special events as assigned.
• Completes evaluation and progress notes for patients per policy; and prepares patient specific protocols as assigned. Documents patient behaviors in medical chart as clinically indicated.
• Assists in the training and supervision of interns. Interviews, trains and supervises volunteers.
• Demonstrates and promotes excellence in customer service. Able to independently plan, lead and evaluate internal and external groups and special events.
• Responds promptly to changes in workload, adjusting assignments as necessary to meet productivity and efficiency standards.
• Assumes responsibility to resolve or report clinical and operational issue to department leadership for resolution, in order to assure high quality care, and efficient departmental operations.
• Demonstrates interdisciplinary, safe, patient centered care and delivers excellent customer service.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Educational Requirements
• • BS/BA Degree in Child and Family Development, Therapeutic Recreation, Psychology, Education or related field.
• Licensure, Certification and Registration
• • Effective July 1, 2009, must be a certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CRTS) at time of hire or obtain certification within first six months of hire. Anyone hired prior to July 1, 2009, and not currently certified, but in good standing at MWPH, may be grandfathered in to that role.
• Work Orientation and Experience
• • Child Life/TR internship required, under accrediting agency. Experience in planning and leading activities for children with special needs, patient assessment, documentation and procedural support required.
  • Experience with hospitalized children required
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Oral/Written Skills
• Sensitivity/Tact in dealing with customers
• Ability to lift, position, or move patients to and from patient equipment while maintaining patient comfort and safety
• Ability to self lift 50 lbs
• Computer system/software proficiency
• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Assessment skills for specific patient populations
• Ability to act quickly and decisively in emergency situations

• Other Requirements Specific to Assigned Area
• • American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR (May be obtained within three months of hire)
  • Able to bend, stoop and lift children of varying weight and sizes up to 50 lbs unassisted
  • Respiratory Training (may be obtained within three months of hire)
  • Handle with Care behavior management training
  • Ability to act quickly and decisively in emergency situations

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Supervision Received
• • Manager Child Life and Therapeutic Recreation or Senior Child Life and Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
• Supervision Exercised
• • As assigned, assists in supervision of area assistants, students, interns and volunteers.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Directly interfaces daily with patients, visitors, other healthcare team members and staff.

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT USED

• Operates patient care equipment specific to the age, condition and location of the patient such as adaptive equipment, feeding tubes and pumps, oxygen administration equipment and respiratory care equipment. Operates electrical games and computers.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Limited risk of exposure to body fluids, infectious waste or blood borne diseases requiring the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to established protocol. Subjected to irregular hours. Occasional stress due to emergency situations or multiple demands.

This job description identifies the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not to be considered an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties or skills required of an incumbent.