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UPMC Hamot, part of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh network, is hiring a Child Life Specialist to support our Pediatrics department!

This role involves helping pediatric patients cope with their medical experiences, supporting children in understanding their illness or injury, and easing discomfort during hospital visits through behavior modification plans, education, therapeutic play, and family support.

The position is full-time, primarily day shift, but flexibility with hours is required to meet the needs of pediatric patients in the community.

Purpose: 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. Support the strategic plan of the organization and clearly communicates the Mission and Vision to the Child Life Program staff. Provide support and education to Child Life Specialists.

Responsibilities:

+ Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

+ 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 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.

+ Assume the principal duties and responsibilities of a Child Life Specialist I position as detailed in the Child Life Specialist I Job Description.

+ 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.

+ Play an active role in developing, implementing, and evaluating changes on the units, within the Child Life Program and within the Hospital.

+ 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.

+ Master's degree in either:

+ Child Life

+ Child Development,

+ Child and Family Studies,

+ Psychology or a Child Life related major

+ Or 4+ years of equivalent experience.

+ Minimum of 3 years' experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

+ Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.

+ Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran