Child Life Specialist

MedStar Health is looking foraChild Life Education Specialisttojoinour team!

As a Child Life Education Specialist, you will help assess children's developmental and coping needs and implements developmentallyappropriate therapeuticinterventions such as play, medical play, psychologicalpreparation,and rehearsed coping to minimize distress associated with hospitalization and other medical experiences.

Joinoneof the largest healthcare systems in the Baltimore-Washington metroregion,also recognized as one of the "Healthiest Maryland Businesses". Apply today and learn how MedStar Health can be your nextgreat careermove!

Primary Duties:

• Plans and implements a variety of developmentallyappropriate individualand group activities which promote self-healing, self-expression, understanding and mastery for hospitalized children,adolescents,and their families. Provides consultation to health care team during weekly psychosocial roundsregardingdevelopmental status and individual needs of children to promote adaptation to treatment. Utilizes therapeutic play techniques. Provides family centered care by supporting family bonds andutilizing theirstrengths in developing individual treatment plans for children's care.Assessesand respects cultural diversity.Uses developmentallyappropriate methodsin preparing children and families forprocedures and provides emotional support during identified stress points. Recognizes the importance of parental involvement/support for a patient during a procedure. Plans, implements, and evaluatesgoal-orientedplan of care and documents assessment information, goals, interventions, incident reports, statistics, and progress notes.

• Provides or coordinates programs which assure continuity in the child's normal life experience (school programs, pet therapy, personal and holiday celebrations). Maintains the playroom environment, toys,equipment,and supplies used in Child Life, Education, and Arts Program to ensure patient safety and to meet standards. Understands,respects,andutilizesthe Association of Child Life Professional's Code of Ethicstoestablishand maintain professional and therapeutic relationships. Plans and implements educational programs and in-services on child development and the impact of illness, injury and hospitalization on children and families. Develops and implements community outreach programs. These functions are performed in collaboration with the Child Life, Education & Arts Coordinator and according to program needs. Performs personnel management functions for the designated areaincluding interviewing, hiring, scheduling, coaching, counseling,evaluating,andterminatingchild life assistants and volunteers as delegated by the Child Life, Education & Arts Coordinator.

• Participates in research, marketing and program development activities as assigned by the Child Life, Education & Arts Coordinator. Participates as an active member of Bereavement and Child Life Committee. Participates in continuing educational opportunities, and reports back to the Child Life, Education and Arts team. Exemplifies Guest and Staffrelations standards andholds department staff and volunteers accountable.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in ChildLife, Education, Psychology, ChildDevelopment,or related field.

• 2years' experienceas a child life specialist in an acute health care setting.

• Professionally certified child life specialist.

• Certification as a recreational therapist, art therapist, drama therapist or dance/movement specialist.

• Experience with children of all ages and developmental levels preferred.