Child Life Specialist

Virtua
United States, New Jersey, Voorhees
Nov 09, 2024
At Virtua Health, we exist for one reason - to better serve you. That means being here for you in all the moments that matter, striving each day to connect you to the care you need. Whether that's wellness and prevention, experienced specialists, life-changing care, or something in-between - we are your partner in health devoted to building a healthier community.If you live or work in South Jersey, exceptional care is all around. Our medical and surgical experts are among the best in the country. We assembled more than 14,000 colleagues, including over 2,850 skilled and compassionate doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners equipped with the latest technologies, treatments, and techniques to provide exceptional care close to home. A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, we've received multiple awards for quality, safety, and outstanding work environment.In addition to five hospitals, seven emergency departments, seven urgent care centers, and more than 280 otherlocations, we're committed to the well-being of the community. That means bringing life-changing resources and health services directly into our communities through ourEat Well food access program, telehealth, home health, rehabilitation, mobile screenings, paramedic programs, and convenient online scheduling. We're also affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neurosciences, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics. Employment Type: Employee Employment Classification: Regular Time Type: Full time Work Shift: 2nd Shift (United States of America) Total Weekly Hours: 36 Location: Voorhees - 100 Bowman Drive Voorhees, NJ Additional Locations: Job Information: Summary: Responsible for implementing and administering a program designed to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of children in the hospital setting. This consists of therapeutic, educational and recreational activities for pediatric patients and their families. Also responsible for orienting hospital staff to the psychosocial needs of children and their families and fostering positive hospital-community relations. Position Responsibilities: * Provides meaningful therapeutic, educational and recreational activities for children in the hospital appropriate to each child's age and level of understanding. Activities are designed to provide the child with acceptable outlets for fear, anger and anxiety which might result from hospitalization or restricted activity in an unfamiliar environment. * Participates in the assessment of patients in terms of language development, motor function, understanding of disease and emotional feeling regarding hospitalization. Refers child to early intervention services when appropriate. * Assists the child and parents in adjusting to the hospital environment and maintaining a healthy attitude towards illness. * Assists medical and nursing staff in pre-operative, pre-procedure, and pretreatment. * Participates in associations whose concerns are related to the activities of the Child Life Program on both local and national levels. Represents the hospital at associations meetings. * Maintains and recommends the purchase of necessary developmental and recreational equipment and supplies. * Prepares reports on the total program activities as directed by Clinical Manager; participates in the development of policies and procedures pertinent to the Child Life Program. * Participates in and provides in-service training program for staff around developmental issues. Position Qualifications Required / Experience Required: Completion of Child Development education program or internship. Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Education or closely related field. Master's degree preferred. Training/Certifications/Licensure: Must be eligible for professional Child Life Specialist Certification.