"Child Life Specialist-WCINYP (Part-Time)"

Position Summary

Provides evidence-based psychosocial care and support to pediatric patients and their families. Using robust knowledge of child development, family systems and skillful assessment, this role will provide developmentally appropriate techniques, such as play, education, preparation and procedural support, to help children and families navigate the healthcare environment, enhance a patient's ability to cope, and reduce the need for sedation in medical imaging.

Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrates, explains and provides stress reduction techniques before, during, and/or after stressful experiences to facilitate adaptive coping in consideration of developmental, emotional, situational, and behavioral factors.
• Applies clinical knowledge and available resources to assess, plan, and prioritize child life interventions. Gathers and integrates information from the healthcare team, patient, family, and medical records to conduct comprehensive needs assessments.
• Evaluates the patient's developmental level, temperament, coping mechanisms, and overall adjustment by considering child development principles, medical condition, treatment, potential stressors, and cultural or family dynamics.
• Effectively communicates observations, assessments, and recommendations to other members of the radiology team through verbal and written channels. Accurately documents care, and services provided and advocates for patient and family needs and services.
• Identifies opportunities for program improvement to enhance experience for pediatric patients and families. May be responsible for creating, reviewing or updating department policies and procedures related to child life.
• Develops resources and education materials for medical staff, community providers and scheduling team regarding the developmental needs of children. Supports the development of referral pathways to increase opportunities for pediatric imaging.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships and effective communication regarding pediatric workflow to facilitate improvements. Fosters collaboration, partnership and innovation, customer service and performance improvement.
• Collects metrics to assess continued impact of child life services across the department. Uses data to determine educational needs and pediatric program content then develops plans to improve overall pediatric patient success and experience.
• Leads outpatient pediatric clinical operations, focusing on program development, quality care delivery, and strategic alignment with organizational goals to support continuous improvement and family-centered services.
• Conducts clinical research in pediatric imaging, collaborating across disciplines and collecting data to reduce the need for sedation, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and improve outcomes for pediatric patients.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in child Life, Child Development, early childhood education or closely related field
• Master's Degree Preferred

Experience

Approximately 4+ years of experience in Child Life or related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced interpersonal skills are required for interacting with patients, families and healthcare personnel.
• Possesses excellent work-related skills and the ability to apply them, while continually seeking ways to improve
• Understands goals and the organizational mission.
• Maintains a team-oriented approach and possesses the ability to cultivate positive and collegial workplace relationships
• Demonstrates integrity and ethics at all times.

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) by the Association for Child Life Professional (ACLP)
• BLS certification (issued by the American Heart Association)

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

This position requires the occasional lifting and positioning of patients. Possible prolonged standing.