Child Life Assistant

Job Overview:

Assists Child Life Staff with daily activities and programs. Performs a variety of direct and indirect patient care, unit and environmental tasks under the direction of either the Child Life Director or the Child Life Specialist.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Baccalaureate degree in psychology, child development or education preferred.

• College course(s) in child development/child psychology or related field required.

• Experience working with children.

Essential Functions:

Assists Child Life staff by providing group, and one-to-one individual art and recreational activities for the patients and families, on selected units, which are:
done on a daily basis
age appropriate for the individual patients
creative and appealing to the patients

Assists in maintenance of programs including, but not limited to:
birthday celebrations for patients
holiday celebrations
monthly events from community sponsors

Observes patients and informs the Child Life staff of any problems regarding patient s developmental status, social interaction, coping style and family structure in order to:
identify and treat problems with the adjustment to hospitalization
meet individual needs in the Child Life Center
aid nurses, physicians and other staff in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the patient

Maintains daily Child Life activities for selected units, in the absence of Child Life staff and communicates with nurses and staff on their assigned unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development. Assesses data reflective of the patient s status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient s requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs.
Applies the knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
Provides the care needed as described in the department s policies and procedures.

Documents patient involvement in Child Life programming:
keeping daily records of all activities
reporting information to the Child Life Specialist

Communicates with the Child Life Director and/or Child Life Specialist to discuss plans, activities, new ideas and needs of the unit.

Supervises volunteers for the specified portion of the Child Life Program, in the absence of the Child Life staff.

Assists the director/specialist in management and organization of activity centers by:
selecting supplies/equipment appropriate for the needs of specified population
utilizing supplies/equipment in an efficient and economical manner
maintaining appearance and organization within the center
maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients and families

Professional Development
Attends designated inservices and unit staff meetings.

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance

• Dental and Vision Insurance

• Retirement Plans

• Short & Long Term Disability

• Life & Accidental Death Insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Wellness Programs

• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)

• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Equal Opportunity Employer