Child Life Assistant

Primary City/State:

Mesa, Arizona

Department Name:

Child Life Specialists-Ped Svc

Work Shift:

Varied

Job Category:

Clinical Care

Located on an 80-acre campus in Mesa, Arizona, Banner Desert Medical Center is one of Arizona's largest and most comprehensive hospitals and was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of Phoenix's Best Hospitals. We provide an abundance of exceptional opportunities with more than 700 licensed beds, including over 100 dedicated to children and 76 dedicated to our NICU. Areas of excellence include high-risk pregnancy and neonatal care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, oncology and emergency medicine. With 33 operating rooms, we offer a full range of surgical specialties and advanced technology that includes the da Vinci Surgical System. Becker’s Hospital Review named Banner Desert Medical Center as one of the top 50 busiest Emergency departments in the country.

If you aim to deliver top-tier care to the most vulnerable patients, consider joining Banner Children's Hospital at Desert in Mesa, Arizona. Within our over 200 bed, state-of-the-art facility, specially trained nurses, physicians and other clinical professionals utilize the most advanced technology - including iCare ICU monitoring and robotic surgery - to provide high quality, child-friendly, family-centered care. Our facilities feature a 76-bed NICU, a 24-bed PICU, six pediatric ORs and a 22-bed ED. We also offer dedicated pediatric rehab, radiology, oncology and hematology capabilities. With clinical diversity, exceptional training programs and a supportive culture, this is a place where you can grow in your career as you help our very special patients.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position helps to maintain a safe, healing environment for children. Assists in meeting the needs of children and families to reduce the stress accompanying hospitalization. Serves patients from birth to 18 years of age.

CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Trains and supervises volunteers, including university students who are completing volunteer hours as part of their course of study surrounding child development, pediatric nursing, etc. This function includes the orientation, supervision and recognition of volunteers of all ages and walks of life, to provide training specific to the needs of the hospitalized child, ensure a safe environment for pediatric patients, and effective use of volunteer time. Also encompasses networking with community groups and organizations to nurture relationships, and to draw volunteer talent in exchange for rewarding experience and education.

2. Monitors and maintains safe, organized, and clean playroom, toys, and other materials used to provide activities for children. Includes following infection control policies and procedures to maintain regulatory standards, and teaching these procedures to volunteers. Knowledgeable about isolation practices and educates volunteers and visitors about these practices and the reasons for them.

3. Assists in planning and conducting group activities in the playroom and individual activities in the patient's room. Activities must be tailored to the specific developmental needs of hospitalized children.

4. Interacts with potential donor groups regarding the needs of hospitalized children, children’s medical center, and how they can help. Provides tours, receives donations, determines appropriateness and prepares for use. Professionally acknowledges all donations.

5. Assists with detailed planning of events, hosts and monitors visits from entertainers, community groups, or others interested in helping our patients. Assists with the maintenance of patient confidentiality and safety throughout these visits. Provides education to community groups wishing to learn about the developmental needs of hospitalized patients.

6. Provides assistance to nursing staff with high need patients. Assesses needs of hospitalized children, and communicates in a developmentally appropriate manner. Interactions with children and families reflect an understanding of growth and development, family centered care, and of the potential stress associated with illness, injury and the health care experience. Knowledgeable about available resources and provides assistance with coping through identification and use of these resources.

7. Although based in pediatrics, incumbents may be called to serve in any area of the hospital where there are children, including emergency services areas, surgery and waiting areas for the adult units. The position will serve on facility. The internal customers are patients and their families and volunteers. External customers are individuals and groups in the community who contact the department with offers of assistance or requests.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The position requires knowledge normally associated with completion of an Associate' Degree or equivalent in a related area.

The position also requires skills and abilities typically gained through 1 year of experience in working with children. Must demonstrate responsibility, flexibility, and sensitivity to children.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is a requirement of the job.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Hospital pediatric experience, special education or experience working with developmentally disabled children is highly desirable. A Bachelor's Degree in a related area is preferred.

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

EEO Statement:

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.

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