Child Life Specialist - Per Diem, Long Branch, NJ

Job Overview:

Plans, organizes and implements all Child Life programs for infants not neonates, pediatric and adolescent patients who are hospitalized and/or seen in the outpatient setting with acute and chronic medical and surgical conditions. Performs Child Life oriented screening/assessment tools and provides preparation/therapeutic interventions, meeting the developmental, emotional, social and educational needs of all pediatric patients. Designs and carries out care plans, provides patient and family education, medical play and child-specific educational in-services to hospital staff and, on an ongoing basis, documents patient status. Responsible for supervision of volunteers and students. Works with infants, neonates, pediatrics, adolescent patients and their family members. Is responsible for reporting identified safety issues such as hazardous environments (i.e. damaged floors/walls/ceiling tiles/unsecured areas) and medical errors, etc.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master's Degree with a Child Life Certificate, or
• Bachelor's degree and qualified to take the exam
• Academic Preparation at Bachelor's level with experience in Health Care setting

Preferred:

• 1 year experience in a Child Life Program setting
• Coursework in Child Life, Human Development, Family Dynamics, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Therapeutic Recreation, and/or Expressive Therapies
• Clinical Internship experience preferred

Scheduling Requirements:

• Day shift
• 8 hours per week

Essential Functions:

• Assigns patients appropriately to work with volunteers/students. Gives precise direction/supervision to same regarding patient's status/precautions and level of activity. Assists with orientation, provides feedback in a timely/constructive manner. Prepares evaluations; maintains records when appropriate.
• Attends at least one continuing education course per year and provides follow-up inservice to appropriate professional staff. Attends all required departmental inservices. Completes required competencies. Maintains CPR certification.
• Demonstrates effective use of standardized tests/screenings and play therapy techniques when teaching/assessing the child s ability to cope emotionally, socially, intellectually, and physically to the stressors of hospitalization, illness, procedure/surgery. Collaborates with parents to provide clarification of hospital procedures and reinforce treatment plans.
• Maintains patient care documentation according to departmental policy, JCAHO and ASHA standards. Meets/plans with nursing daily to obtain a daily report. Acts as an advocate of child/family through meetings and daily discussion with the medical team.
• Plans treatment according to identified problems and establishes short- and long-term goals that are observable, measurable and with specific timeframes. Implements play/ treatment plan in a developmentally appropriate, correct, safe and timely manner. Observe and monitor precautions and contraindications. Varies treatment plan as patient status changes.
• Provides direct patient care 75% of the working day. Maintains a safe, orderly, clean playroom/office space. Responsible for reordering, maintaining and disinfecting, toys, supplies, etc.

Benefits and Perks:

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts through our partners, such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.