Child Life Specialist

National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD

Qualifications.  The health care worker (HCW) shall adhere to the qualification requirements given in Section C of the basic contract plus the following:

Possess a Bachelor’s or higher degree in Child Development/Family Studies or related field from an accredited university.

Possess current certification as a Child Life Specialist by the Child Life Council (CLC).

Possess a minimum of one year professional experience within the preceding three years working as a Child Life Specialist.  Experience in providing services for the children and families of adult medical/surgical inpatients is preferred.

- OR -

Possess a Bachelor’s or higher degree in therapeutic recreation from an accredited university.

Possess current certification as a Recreational Therapist from the National Council for Therapeutic  Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Possess a minimum of 1 year experience within the preceding 3 years in activities or programs for children and families, that require application of knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of recreational therapy and involve the use of therapeutic approaches to maintain the physical and/or mental health or to achieve the physical and/or mental rehabilitation of persons. 

- AND -

Provide two letters of recommendation from practicing physicians or mental health professional supervisors attesting to clinical and professional skills, competencies, patient rapport, training abilities, etc. Reference letters must include name, title, phone number, date of reference, address and signature of the individual providing reference. Reference letters must have been written within the preceding 5 years.

Scheduling.

Services will normally be required Monday through Friday between the hours of 0700 and 1900 for a period of 8.5 hours which includes an uncompensated .5-hour meal break or 9 hours with an uncompensated 1 hour for meal break.  The contract health care worker shall be on duty for approximately 40 hours each week, except during periods of approved leave and holidays.

Duties.  As assigned, the health care worker shall perform the following:

Collaborate with the recreation therapist to provide recreation therapy to patients and their family members.  Recreation activities include, but not limited to arts and crafts, dance, drama, music, low organized games, table and board games, sports and athletics, special events, outdoor activities and volunteer programs.

Independently assess patients and families, assisting the treatment team in determining an optimal multi-disciplinary treatment plan for the individual, the family and the therapeutic milieu.

Develop and implement individual recreation programs based on assessment results.

Utilize art and other creative/expressive clinical modalities (e.g., music, poetry, drama, horticulture) to support treatment goals and improve patient outcomes.

Provide teaching, coaching, and support as required on a time limited basis.

Facilitate integration into community recreational opportunities

Establish and maintain relationships with family members to assist them in coping with stress and supporting the patient and other family members.

Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meeting to evaluate and review the care provided to patients and their families.

Re-evaluate recreational activities on a regular basis as part of the overall multidisciplinary treatment planning process in coordination with other treatment team members.

Foster a supportive climate to facilitate self-expression and group interaction.  Provide an outlet for suppressed feelings to channel energy and emotional stress into constructive modes of expression and communication.

Attend staff meetings, treatment team meetings, and other clinical conferences when appropriate to gain maximum knowledge of patients, contribute information gained, and make recommendations for further treatment.

Document patient assessments and interventions in patient records in accordance with Medical Center bylaws, instructions, and regulations.

Ensure confidentiality of patient records and other sensitive information pertaining to treatment, in accordance with Privacy Act and HIPAA requirements.

Augment professional knowledge and develops required skills by actively participating in the teaching and learning process.

Collate information regarding community based recreation and leisure programs/resources, prepares a resource binder, and updates as needed

Identify sources for subsidies and funding for recreational activities, has application forms available, and promotes opportunities to frontline staff.  Recommend funding opportunities to the Director of Therapeutic Recreation.

Provide individual consultations to staff as requested.

Provide information and guidance to staff and trainees on recreation therapy and recreational opportunities.

Determine and implement necessary precautions in exercising responsibility for the care and safety of patients.

Consult with nursing personnel, medical staff and other members of the health team to assess the recreational needs of patients and families.

Make recommendations to the Director of Therapeutic Recreation for the selection and purchase of recreational supplies and equipment.  Assist in the distribution, maintenance, storage, and evaluation of recreational supplies and equipment. 

Demonstrate professional knowledge of child development and recreation therapy concepts, principles, and practices.

Demonstrate knowledge of the dynamic integration of therapeutic services into a total clinical treatment plan in order to develop treatment goals for each patient and family, and to write therapy progress notes.

Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, principles and treatment. Includes skill in interpreting and communicating with medical personnel regarding patient records and master treatment plan issues.  Ability to apply this skill in outpatient or inpatient settings using the consultation/liaison route.

Demonstrate knowledge of techniques to express oneself orally and in writing in a professional manner and in a medically-accepted format, to meet and interact with diversified groups, individuals and organizations, and to prepare in a concise, clear, and effective manner, written reports suitable for medical records.