Child Life Specialist jobs in District of Columbia

MedStar Health is looking for a Child Life Education Specialist to join our team! 

As a Child Life Education Specialist, you will help assess children's developmental and coping needs and implements developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions such as play, medical play, psychological preparation, and rehearsed coping to minimize distress associated with hospitalization and other medical experiences.  

Join one of the largest healthcare systems in the Baltimore-Washington metro region, also recognized as one of the "Healthiest Maryland Businesses". Apply today and learn how MedStar Health can be your next great career move! 

 
Primary Duties: 

• Plans and implements a variety of developmentally appropriate individual and 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 rounds regarding developmental status and individual needs of children to promote adaptation to treatment. Utilizes therapeutic play techniques. Provides family centered care by supporting family bonds and utilizing their strengths in developing individual treatment plans for children's care. Assesses and respects cultural diversity. Uses developmentally appropriate methods in preparing children and families for procedures and provides emotional support during identified stress points. Recognizes the importance of parental involvement/support for a patient during a procedure. Plans, implements, and evaluates goal-oriented plan 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, and utilizes the Association of Child Life Professional’s Code of Ethics to establish and 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 area including interviewing, hiring, scheduling, coaching, counseling, evaluating, and terminating child 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 Staff relations standards and holds department staff and volunteers accountable. Executes all Hope for Henry programming with excellence and adherence to mission of improving the lives of seriously Ill children being treated at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.  

• Complementing existing Hope for Henry Program with New Programs and Activities that Enhance the Pediatric Patient and Family Experience including developing program implementation plans, create, and obtain approval for associated budgets, and execute and evaluate impact of new programs and events. Capturing and sharing impact of Hope for Henry programming with monthly reports that include measuring the therapeutic benefits of Hope for Henry’s program on patient recovery. Maintain Fiscal Responsibility for all Hope for Henry programming that includes help at cost saving opportunities, grants, and in-kind sponsors for programs. 

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Education, Psychology, Child Development, or related field. 

• 2 years' experience as 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.