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Promotes optimum growth and development of pediatric patients and their families by creating a therapeutic environment which minimizes psychological trauma and promotes mastery of health care experiences.  Provides opportunities for expression of feelings through individual and group therapeutic play.  Plans interventions in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team.  Provides developmentally appropriate  education for children and adolescents prior to medical procedures with materials and language that are age appropriate. Coordinates programming and special events for pediatric patients and their families in Child Life Services programming spaces. Provides orientation and supervision for Child Life Services interns and volunteers.   Assists in training and orientation of  new hires. Works under the supervision of the Child Life Manager. 

Department Description:

At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, child life specialists and creative arts therapists strive to create positive health care experiences for children, youths, and families.

Families often have questions about how to make sure their kids feel ready for a procedure or a stay in the hospital. The mission of our Child Life Services department is to help children and other family members prepare for and cope with these experiences. Our team of certified child life specialists, music therapists, art therapists, educators, and parent liaisons is trained in child and family development and understands the specific needs of children, teens, and families in the hospital. Through support, play, and education, we collaborate with parents and other caregivers to ensure a friendly and comfortable medical environment for each child.

Services

We provide a range of services to meet the individual needs of each family, including:

• Support, education, and developmental guidance for parents and other caregivers
• Preparing children for medical procedures, using age-specific teaching tools, such as dolls, pictures and medical equipment
• Support for children and their families during medical procedures, using techniques such as imagery and distraction to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
• Therapeutic play before, during, or after medical experiences
• Opportunities to be creative, socialize, and learn for children of all ages, including infants and teens

Minimum Requirements:  

CLS I:

• Minimum qualifications for application include a Bachelors degree in Education, Child Life, Child Development or a related field, Masters Degree preferred.
• Child Life internship under the supervision of a certified Child Life Specialist (600 hours) and 
• Proof of eligibility for Child Life certification is required, certification preferred.  Must be certified within 18 months of hire.
• One year of paid experience preferred but not required. 
• Must complete CLS I competencies within 6 months of hire:
• These include:
  • Environment of Care (Programming) 
  • Assessment - Child Development and Family Systems
  • Age Specific Interventions
  • Preparation for Medical Treatments and Procedures
  • Procedural Support and Coping
  • Therapeutic Play
  • Documentation and Charting
  • Volunteer Supervision

CLS II:

• Minimum qualifications for application include a Masters degree in Education, Child Life, Child Development or a related field, or 5 years of experience
• Child Life Certification required 
• Minimum of 2 years paid experience as a Child Life Specialist required.
• Must complete CLS II competencies within 6 months of hire:
• These include all CLS I competencies plus:
  • Student Internship Supervision
  • End of Life Care 
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Professionalism
  • Special needs
  • New Employee Orientation

1. Develops psychosocial assessments and formulates diagnoses and treatment plans based upon an evaluation of past, present, and predicted future psychosocial and interpersonal functioning.
2. Implements child life interventions using a variety of therapeutic techniques based upon competencies of the clinical ladder.
3. Documents developmental assessments, interventions and care plans in medical record per departmental policies.
4. Oversees therapeutic environments, programming and volunteer supervision.
5. Recognizes patient and family diversity and develops interventions that are sensitive to differences and that foster appreciation and respect for diversity.
6. Performs within child life philosophy including family-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and developmental sensitivity. 
7. Communicates in a professional manner with colleagues, patients and families, and community members and ability to evaluate and respond to feedback. 
8. Community outreach
9. Provides consultation to members of the health team on psychosocial factors related
10. Writes component of yearly annual report and supports stats and research as discussed with coordinator
11. Responsible for administrative area (this could include: donations, special visits, volunteers, pet therapy program, etc.) 
12. Participation on at least 2 multidisciplinary committees 
13. Present approximately 5 in-services (internally or externally) on child life related topics a year
14. Primary supervisor for student interns at least 1 semester a year
15. Assumes responsibility for own professional development and practice as well as medical center-wide policies and procedures.