The Child Life Specialist promotes comprehensive health care for pediatric patients by providing play and activity programs especially designed to meet the developmental, emotional and psychosocial needs of children and their families in the rehabilitation setting.

The Child Life Specialist will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Child Life Specialist will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

The Child Life Specialist:

1. Develops, schedules, implements and conducts creative, age and developmentally appropriate activity programs for children and adolescents with various physical or cognitive needs, disabilities and psychosocial/emotional abilities in a variety of settings.
2. Develops activities, inclusive of all ability levels, to promote social interaction with peers focusing on social support building, self-advocacy and play interactions appropriate to age.
3. Develops a variety of activities to engage patients outside treatment times including but not limited to: animal assisted therapy, community outings, celebrations, sports and fitness activities and exposure to all forms of artistic involvement.
4. Collaborates with the pediatric team in evaluation and assessment of children’s developmental and recreational needs, adjustment to hospitalization and disability, and general needs for support.
5. Collects information and analyzes patient performance, utilizing evidence based, patient centered techniques and assessment instruments.
6. Evaluates the patient and/or caregiver’s learning style, cultural and spiritual needs and needs for accommodation to complete effective teaching.
7. Formulates individualized prescriptive treatment plan with measurable short and long-term goals incorporating patient and family priorities, interests and values in the establishment of the treatment plan and discharge plan.
8. Measures patient progress toward targeted outcomes and participates in patient satisfaction related initiatives.
9. Documents admission assessment and ongoing formal and/or informal assessment and intervention in the appropriate fields of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab electronic medical record within designated timeframes
10. Provides ongoing patient focused instruction to the patient, family members and/or caregivers in therapeutic activities and exercises, including Home Exercise Programs and verifies and documents patient/caregiver understanding of information.
11. Facilitates patient participation in the therapy process and collaborates with and advocates for patients and family in order to achieve desired outcomes
12. Assures that toys and related equipment are maintained in a clean, safe and operational condition in accordance with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab policy, procedures and infection prevention recommendations.
13. Performs routine inventory of playroom equipment, supplies, and toys. Makes recommendations regarding selection, ordering and distribution of playroom equipment.
14. Coordinates and supervises pediatric volunteers and student interns.
15. Coordinates activities of the Child Life Program with other disciplines/services including Volunteer Department, Recreational Therapy Department, Life Center, Sports and Fitness Program, and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Advancement.
16. Coordinates and implements programs such as Take Your Child to Work Day, Child Care Offerings when Chicago Public Schools are closed education support at local schools, and other events to support the patients, families, and community partners.
17. Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

1. Reports directly to Manager, Allied Health Pediatric Program

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
2. Occasionally exposed to moderately adverse working condition performing certain patient care activities.
3. Occasional exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.
4. Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 35 lbs.

Required Skills Required Experience

1. Professional knowledge acquired through completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Child Life.
2. Certification as a Child Life Specialist required.
3. Current CPR certification required.
4. Minimum 2 years of experience in a child life program in order to gain in-depth knowledge of theories and practices needed to create activity programs for children with cognitive and emotions needs.
5. Demonstrates competency in understanding the growth and development of infant, child and adolescent patient as measured by specific performance standards and as described by department/unit policies and procedures.
6. Maintains knowledge of current evidence-based practice and research and incorporates appropriate interventions with patient assessments and treatments.
7. Able to maintain competencies, continuing education, and certifications.
8. Interpersonal skills in order to communicate with pediatric patients, their families, participate in interdisciplinary patient conferences and work cooperatively with other health care team members.
9. Analytical ability and professional judgment to develop, prepare and conduct creative activity programs for children.

About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you will be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.