Child Life Specialist (1.0 Fte, Days)

Clinical Services

1.0 FTE, 8 Hour Day Shift

At Stanford Children’s Health, we know world-renowned care begins with world-class caring. That's why we combine advanced technologies and breakthrough discoveries with family-centered care. It's why we provide our caregivers with continuing education and state-of-the-art facilities, like the newly remodeled Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. And it's why we need caring, committed people on our team - like you. Join us on our mission to heal humanity, one child and family at a time.

Job Summary

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

The Child Life Specialist works under the supervision of leadership and the child life team to assist the child/family in their adjustment to the hospital, diagnosis, and treatment plan. This is an entry level Child Life Specialist role with entry level experience and knowledge of procedures, illnesses, injuries and other related events on the unit. The individual will require training and ongoing support and/or supervision for more advanced procedures or events. Uses basic understanding of child life theories to perform daily job responsibilities while working closely with Child Life Specialists II and/or Child Life Specialist III to develop skills. Provides pre/post procedural teachings, emotional/psychosocial support, developmentally appropriate play activities, distraction and support during procedures, and age appropriate medical play to enhance understanding of the hospital environment. Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to create and support individualized plans of care while adhering to the professional standards of practice of the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Essential Functions

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital’s policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

• Identifies patient/family learning needs, readiness to learn and choices. Meets patient/family needs by using appropriate internal/external educational resources. Recognizes and respects consequences of patient/family decisions.
• Provides competent child life services to patients and family members, including developmentally-appropriate therapeutic activities, education, procedural preparation, coping facilitation, and support as it relates to their illness and medical treatment. Utilizes a clinical decision-making process and critical thinking to effectively deliver patient care.
• Establishes family-centered plan of care with patient/family input and prioritizes he delivery of patient/family care
• Assesses, individualizes, and evaluates plan of care based on family/patient physical, developmental, emotional, and recreational needs requiring occasional guidance, while applying the theoretical knowledge base of child development.
• Collaborates with patients, families, volunteers and multidisciplinary team members to provide optimal care and services.
• Assesses and interacts with patients and families using theories of Child Life, child development, family systems and cultural background. Provides appropriate care based on the needs of the specific individual, including age.
• Performs other work related duties, as assigned.
• Interviews, orients, trains, supervises and evaluates child life students and volunteers.
• Establishes and maintains a healthy, balanced, and therapeutic relationship with the patient and family.
• Effectively and efficiently balances the clinical responsibilities, professional growth, and development opportunities through active participation in the Child Life Clinical Advancement Ladder.
• Supports a productive work environment for students once the minimum standard of hours is achieved as set forth by the Association of Child Life Professionals.
• Identifies any barriers to teaching (such as cognitive ability, linguistic or sensory deficits).
• Participates in team meetings and/or discussions regarding patient care and/or practice issues.
• Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with fellow employees, patients, families, and the public.
• Assists the patient/family in their adjustment to the hospital, diagnosis, and/or treatment plan.
• Interacts in a cooperative manner within the healthcare team to support and contribute to the care goals. Professionally communicates plan to multidisciplinary team members and family.
• Demonstrates compliance with patient care documentation standards, providing support to newer staff regarding documentation practices as needed.
• Provides developmentally appropriate medical play, for individual and small group support.
• Provides ideas/topics for research and performance improvement studies. Participates in data collection.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development or a directly related field in the Behavioral Sciences or Human Development.

Experience: None

License/Certification: CCLS (Certified Child Life Specialist)

License/Certification: Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or licensure/certification.

• Demonstrates understanding and ability to show respect and appreciation for others and their uniqueness; remaining curious and appreciating cultural differences.
• Demonstrates good organizational skills and effective communication skills, flexibility, and a proven understanding of child development.
• Demonstrates ability to work well with children of all ages.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and a willingness to learn hospital routines, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to be a team member across multiple professional disciplines.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Pay Range

Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.

Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.

Minimum to Midpoint Range (1.0 FTE): $77,043.20 to $91,031.20

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, LPCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.