Child Life Specialist jobs in Iowa

The primary responsibilities of this position are planning and implementing activities that support and promote normal growth and development of children, training and oversight of volunteers and maintaining community ties that enhance program delivery. This role provides a safe environment in play areas and when working at the patient bedside; the patient /family interactions may happen in inpatient settings, ambulatory care areas and other play areas throughout the medical campus.

Position Responsibilities

·       Provides services within the mission and vision of UI Stead Family Children's Hospital and UI Health Care

·       Implements the integration of knowledge into unit/department operation.

·       Continues personal and professional development to enhance job-related competency

·       Acts in accordance with all hospital and departmental policies (confidentiality, dress code, workspace issues, etc.)

·       Complies with all regulatory, accreditation standards, and job/department specific competencies (Joint Commission, CMS, Patient's Rights, etc.).

·       Manages time effectively by completing work within scheduled time, adhering to break times, arriving for work on time, and assisting others as available

·       Manages resources effectively including supplies, equipment, and personal time.

·       Takes responsibility to maintain and enhance job related competencies.

·       Other duties as assigned

Coordination of Play Spaces and Supplies

·       Organizes and maintains toys, supplies and play spaces; identifies needed and replacement materials

·       Prepares and maintains a safe, inviting and developmentally responsive playroom environment that engages a variety of ages, interests and abilities

·       Regularly inspects toys, materials and play area for safety, infection control and appropriateness for the population; maintains knowledge of toy recalls and removes identified toys and materials

·       Adheres to and enacts the toy cleaning policy and procedures

·       Tracks play materials inventory

Program Development, Implementation and Maintenance

·       Promotes normal developmental abilities of children

·       Provides a variety of developmentally supportive play opportunities for patient and siblings including structured and planned activities, in activity spaces and at the bedside

·       Understands and practices family-centered care in all aspects of work responsibilities

·       Organizes, plans and promotes group play in the playrooms, with attention to the specific needs of the participating children

·       Communicates observations regarding children's behaviors and emotional state to other child life staff and appropriate team members

·       Models healthy relationships with children for families and staff, and encourages positive parent/child interactions

·       Schedules, organizes, and facilitates special events, ensuring that the visit is appropriate for patients, families, and staff in collaboration with child life colleagues and other care providers

·       Documents patient participation in the electronic medical record and complies with child life documentation standards

·       When overseeing Family Activity Rooms follows protocols, policies and guidelines  specific to this family care area

·       Provides direction and day to day functional oversight of child life student employees, including but not limited to, scheduling of hourly student employees.

Percent of Time: 50%

Schedule: 20 hours per week - rotating Nights, Holidays and Weekends

Pay Grade: 07 https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/merit-plan

Classification: Para Educator

Benefits Highlights:

Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
For more information about Why Iowa?, click here
The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including 24 days paid vacation per year to start and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits/fpsm.