Child Life Specialist – Mercy Hospital

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is hiring a Child Life Specialist to work in the UPMC MERCY PEDIATRIC BURN CENTER – Inpatient and Outpatient. 

Responsible for providing developmentally appropriate education, preparation and programming which optimizes growth and development of children, supports and maintains normal living patterns and minimizes psychosocial trauma associated with healthcare experiences. Proficient in advanced therapeutic skills, techniques and interventions (stress point coping, breathing – relaxation techniques, guided imagery, etc.) enabling children and families to cope in a positive manner. Possesses an extensive background of normal child development and the psychosocial effects of hospitalization and illness on children and families.

Title and rate of pay will be based on education and experience.

Responsibilities:

• Assume a leadership role with hospital-related committees and projects. Develop, implement and coordinate new and existing specialty programs and teaching opportunities under the supervision of the Child Life Manager.
• Display a strong personal commitment in providing quality Child Life service. Assume a leadership role with staff, promotes skills in others and orients and new staff members. Mentor CLS I in working with patients who identified as high risk / problem prone. Active in decision making responsibilities in the absence of the Child Life Manager.
• Act as a role model to staff regarding issues related to the psychosocial aspects of the hospitalized child, improving clinical practice and skills, and team cohesiveness. Demonstrate high quality, therapeutic Child Life programming in a variety of health-related environments. Ability to assess high risk/problem prone patients and implement interventions independently. Utilize exceptional communication skills.
• Assume the principal duties and responsibilities of a Child Life Specialist I position as detailed in the Child Life Specialist I Job Description.
• Recognized as a Child Life resource for clinical practice and operational systems. Respected by hospital personnel for opinions on issues related to child development, the effects of hospitalization and the provision of family centered care in meeting the psychosocial needs of children and their families.
• Play an active role in developing, implementing, and evaluating changes on the units, within the Child Life Program and within the Hospital.