Child Life Therapist (SKMC)

The Child Life Therapist is responsible for supporting the emotional, developmental, psychosocial, and educational needs of infants, children, adolescents, and their families during hospitalization, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other healthcare experiences. The role aims to reduce anxiety, promote effective coping, normalize the healthcare environment through therapeutic play, and enhance the overall patient and family experience.

The Child Life Therapist works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide family-centered care and improve clinical outcomes for pediatric patients.

 Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Conduct psychosocial and developmental assessments of pediatric patients.
• Develop individualized care plans to address emotional and developmental needs.
• Prepare children and families for medical procedures, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and hospitalization using age-appropriate education.
• Provide therapeutic play interventions to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Facilitate medical play activities to improve understanding of healthcare experiences.
• Assist children in developing effective coping strategies during treatment and recovery.
• Support children with chronic illnesses, disabilities, trauma, and complex medical conditions.

Family Support

• Provide emotional support and guidance to families and caregivers.
• Educate parents regarding child development and coping techniques.
• Facilitate sibling support and family-centered interventions.
• Assist families during difficult situations, including critical illness, end-of-life care, and bereavement.

Patient Experience

• Coordinate recreational and developmental activities within pediatric units.
• Promote a child-friendly healthcare environment.
• Advocate for the psychosocial needs of pediatric patients.
• Participate in initiatives that improve patient satisfaction and family experience.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists.
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and case discussions.
• Document patient assessments, interventions, and progress in the electronic medical record.

Education and Quality Improvement

• Educate healthcare staff regarding child development and therapeutic communication.
• Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist in developing policies and procedures related to pediatric psychosocial care.
• Support research, audits, and accreditation activities as required.

Required Professional Experience: 

• Minimum 2-5 years of experience working with children in a healthcare, pediatric rehabilitation, educational, or child development setting.

Preferred License: 

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)