Child Life Assistant en Hurley Medical Center

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Child Life Assistant (CLA) position at Hurley is designed to support the emotional and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families in collaboration with Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS). The CLA is responsible for the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate activities for patients aimed at reducing stress and supporting positive coping. CLA will comply with all appropriate safety and infection control standards, participate in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities and perform all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer-focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general direction of program director or designee who reviews work for conformance with Medical Center policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May exercise partial supervision over a few students or volunteers engaged in therapeutic activities in assigned areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Selects and engages patients of all ages in both individual and group developmentally appropriate activities in compliance with their medical and therapy goals based on patient diagnosis, assessment, dietary restrictions, activity level, coping styles, and social supports; activities will promote healing, self-expression, positive coping, and mastery.

2. Oversees and facilitates CFL Patient Pal Volunteer Program and CFL Pet Therapy Volunteer Program including but not limited to CFL specific onboarding, training, maintenance, duties, and scheduling.

3. Documents patient participation and behavior in activities and verbally shares behavioral observations with the healthcare team in a timely manner.

4. Maintains necessary levels of CFL equipment, supplies, and technology ensuring their safety, function, and cleanliness. Responsible for the stocking and maintenance of activities and pediatric items in playrooms, CFL storage areas, and amongst pediatric areas. Oversees the basic troubleshooting and use of departmental technology in collaboration with the Hurley IT Team.

5. Engages in office and administrative tasks for the department. Participates in program development and implementation.

6. Maintains expertise in the field through appropriate educational/organizational activities. Utilizes knowledge gained to develop recommendations for departmental policy/procedure modifications.

7. Appropriately refers consults, interventions, and other items outside of scope of practice to CCLS.

8. Demonstrates effective judgment and ability to understand, react competently, and treat (if appropriate) unique needs of patient age groups served.

9. Participate in events and activities as related to the department. This includes events outside of typical work hours.

10. Performs other related duties as assigned. Utilizes new improvements and/or technologies that relate to job assignment.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

● High School Diploma/GED; Associates degree preferred in relevant human services area. No certification or licensure required.

● Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an associates degree.

● Experience with children and adolescents preferred.

● Considerable knowledge of possible hazards and necessary precautionary measures to be observed.

● Meeting both the physical and mental demands of this position is essential. This includes the ability to lift, push, and pull at least 20 lbs, as necessary. Frequent sitting, walking, standing, squatting, bending, and reaching is required. Keyboard and computer use and/or repetitive motions are required.

● Ability to work harmoniously with patients, nurses, aides, physician, supervisors, administration, subordinates, and other Medical Center employees.