Child Life Program Assistant

Employment Duration: 1 month (w/ potential for extension)

The Child Life Program Assistant (CLPA) is responsible for managing the delivery of developmentally appropriate play activities, expressive arts, and special events for pediatric patients and family members, including siblings, both at the bedside and in various playroom/activity spaces. The CLPA is responsible for the direct supervision of patients and siblings/guests in the pediatric activity rooms. The CLPA maintains a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate environment for both group and one-on-one activities and provides orientation and direct supervision of volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate normalization and positive adjustment of pediatric patients to the hospital experience by introducing and providing a variety of developmentally appropriate play and creative expression opportunities at the bedside and in playroom settings, including the Teen Lounge.
• Facilitate and promote patient participation in special events, holiday activities, and related programming.
• Provide direct supervision of patients, families, and guests in pediatric playrooms while managing behavior and environmental conditions to promote safety and infection control.
• Collaborate with Child Life Specialists, teachers, and the Creative Arts Therapies team to assess and prioritize patient needs, plan appropriate interventions, and identify or refer patients in need of specialized services.
• Plan and maintain supplies and a calendar of events, collaborating with team members to notify, invite, and engage patients, families, and siblings in activities.
• Assist in orienting patients and families to hospital features and resources, including the Center for Families, Kaleidoscope TV, Marie Wattis School, and volunteer services.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer and Community Liaison in the orientation and supervision of Child Life Services/Creative Arts Therapies volunteers.
• Develop and maintain therapeutic, supportive, and professional relationships with patients and families.
• Ensure the safety of patients and participants during activities, special events, and programs, including transport to and from activities, while complying with department, hospital, and regulatory policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment by managing age-appropriate supplies, toys, materials, equipment, and donations in accordance with safety and infection control procedures.
• Participate in ongoing education and professional development.
• Participate in the collection of metrics and documentation to capture utilization of play spaces.
• Demonstrate service excellence through effective communication, professionalism, teamwork, cultural sensitivity, privacy and confidentiality practices, safety awareness, and adherence to organizational standards.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work environment.
• Attend department huddles, staff meetings, retreats, and other meetings as appropriate.
• Participate in departmental goals and improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

N/A

Required Qualifications:

• One year of full-time work experience with children in a group setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field.
• Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field.
• One year of experience working in a healthcare setting.