Certified Child Life Specialist - Pediatric Oncology - Full Time

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Location- Sylvester Cancer Center, Miami

The University of Miami is currently seeking a Child Life Specialist to work at Sylvester Cancer Center in Miami. The incumbent is a member of the University of Miami/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Team who will focus on the emotional social, and developmental needs of children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders, The Child Life Specialist will support and nurture children and their families through the emotional and physical aspects of chronic illness. The Child Life Specialists will work as the advocate and support staff of the children and their families. Educating and informing the families as to what is going on, and provide emotional support to the children as they go through tests and treatments working with the children on their specific needs and stay with them throughout the entire process. The Child Life Specialist will provide as normal of an environment as possible by providing interaction, play and relaxation. Providing opportunities for the children to play, thrive, and grow in an abnormal and sometimes difficult environment. The Child Life specialists will work to support children through difficult medical circumstances and strive to provide some sense of normalcy. They are an extension of the medical staff and keep apprised of the condition and treatment regimen for the child, so they can keep the family informed and prepared. The Child Life Specialist will have excellent supervisory, research, and communication skills. Understanding family dynamics and will be in tune with the child's or adolescent's concerns. Observing and understanding child development is important for creating educational play.

Core Job Functions

1. Displays competence in all Child Life Specialist responsibilities, including a broad-based developmental expertise, various clinical intervention techniques and interdisciplinary planning for comprehensive pediatric patient care.
2    Advocates for the needs of children and families in the health care system and establish programs which enhance their care.
3    Keeps informed of current professional literature and research, shares information with other staff members and participates in associations whose concerns are related to the activities of the Child Life Program,
4. Interprets the role of the Child Life Specialist, normal growth and developmental issues, and the needs of chronically ill children to health care team members, various students in pediatrics and interested community groups or individuals,
5.    Collaborates with Hospital Volunteer Department in special projects assigned to the Child Life Program.
6.    Develops and implements programs and materials for patients, staff and community outreach education as necessary.
7.    Promotes public and hospital awareness of the needs of children in health care settings.
8 Develops and maintains Child Life policies and procedures in collaboration with Director of Pediatrics, which are consistent with hospital policy and program goals and interprets the program and its needs with the hospital.
9. Responsible for the selection, storage, use, maintenance and safety of all play and recreational materials and equipment used in by Child Life in pediatric areas.
10. Participates in interdisciplinary meetings to exchange information regarding children and families.
11. Initiates and/or coordinates activities related to holidays, special occasions, special visitors, community groups or entertainment programs.
12. Establishes and maintains contact with community groups or individuals that offer culturally enriching experiences or financial support.
13. Assists in preparation and dissemination of public relations information concerning the Child Life philosophy or activities.
14. Provides opportunities for and facilitates a variety of play and activity forms for children and teens (ages birth to 21 years) which promote self-healing, self-expression, understanding and mastery.
15. Interprets the child's perception of his diagnosis and/or treatment as revealed through play and other means of communication (both verbal and non-verbal) and offers counsel specific to the impact of the health care experience.