Job Description
Promotes optimum growth and development of pediatric patients and their families by creating a therapeutic environment that minimizes psychological trauma and promotes mastery of health care experiences. Provides opportunities for expression of feelings through individual and group therapeutic play. Plans interventions in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team. Provides developmentally appropriate education for children and adolescents before medical procedures with materials and language that are age appropriate. Coordinates programming and special events for pediatric patients and their families in Child Life Services programming spaces. Provides orientation and supervision for Child Life Services interns and volunteers. Assists in training and orientation of new hires. Works under the supervision of the Child Life Manager.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, child life specialists and creative arts therapists strive to create positive health care experiences for children, youths, and families.
Families often have questions about how to make sure their kids feel ready for a procedure or a stay in the hospital. The mission of our Child Life Services department is to help children and other family members prepare for and cope with these experiences. Our team of certified child life specialists, music therapists, art therapists, educators, and parent liaisons is trained in child and family development and understands the specific needs of children, teens, and families in the hospital. Through support, play, and education, we collaborate with parents and other caregivers to ensure a friendly and comfortable medical environment for each child.
Services
We provide a range of services to meet the individual needs of each family, including:
- Support, education, and developmental guidance for parents and other caregivers
- Preparing children for medical procedures, using age-specific teaching tools, such as dolls, pictures and medical equipment
- Support for children and their families during medical procedures, using techniques such as imagery and distraction to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
- Therapeutic play before, during, or after medical experiences
- Opportunities to be creative, socialize, and learn for children of all ages, including infants and teens
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: - Minimum qualifications for application include a Masters degree in Education, Child Life, Child Development or a related field, or 5 years of experience - Child Life Certification required - 2 or more years paid work experience as a Child Life Specialist required. - Must complete CLS II competencies within 6 months of hire:- These include all CLS I competencies plus:- Student Internship Supervision - End of Life Care - Cultural Awareness - Professionalism - Special needs - New Employee Orientation
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as https://www.ucsf.edu/about/mission-and-values . In addition to , UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available https://diversity.ucsf.edu/ . Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
EEO Statement
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.