Child Life Specialist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital

Role Overview

As a Child Life Specialist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital, you will play a vital role in supporting the emotional and developmental needs of hospitalized children and their families. This position requires a compassionate and dedicated individual who can create a safe and nurturing environment, helping children cope with the challenges of illness, injury, and hospitalization. Your expertise in child development, therapeutic interventions, and family-centered care will be essential in promoting positive experiences and fostering resilience during difficult times.

A Day in the Life

Each day as a Child Life Specialist is unique, but here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Patient Assessment: Assessing the emotional, developmental, educational, and diversionary needs of hospitalized children through observation, interviews, and play-based interactions.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Implementing individualized therapeutic care plans to address the psychosocial well-being of children, utilizing techniques such as medical play, legacy building, and coping strategies.
• Procedure Preparation: Preparing children and families for medical procedures and surgeries using developmentally-appropriate methods, providing education, and offering emotional support.
• Playroom Activities: Facilitating engaging and therapeutic activities in the playroom, encouraging peer interaction, and promoting a sense of normalcy.
• Family Support: Providing emotional support, education, and resources to families, advocating for their needs, and involving them in the care process.
• Collaboration: Collaborating with healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and therapists, to integrate child life services into the overall care plan.
• Documentation: Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions, interventions, and progress.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Morgantown provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and water sports. The city is also home to West Virginia University, a major research institution that contributes to a vibrant intellectual and cultural environment. With a low cost of living and a strong sense of community, Morgantown is an excellent place to live and work.

Career Path

WVU Medicine is committed to providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement. As a Child Life Specialist, you can advance your career through:

• Specialization: Focusing on a specific patient population, such as oncology, cardiology, or neonatal care.
• Leadership Roles: Taking on leadership responsibilities, such as supervising other child life staff or coordinating departmental programs.
• Education and Research: Pursuing advanced education, such as a master's degree or participating in research projects to contribute to the field of child life.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Child Life Specialist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, is $50,000 to $75,000 per year. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. As an employee, you will be part of a team that values compassion, respect, and teamwork. WVU Medicine encourages professional growth and development, offering opportunities for training, education, and advancement.

How to Apply

To apply for the Child Life Specialist position at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page and complete the application in full.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the minimum qualifications for this position?

   The minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Child Life, Psychology, or a related field, Child Life Certification through the Association of Child Life Professionals, and certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire.

2. Is prior experience required?

   Professional child life experience in a hospital environment is preferred.

3. What are the core duties and responsibilities of a Child Life Specialist?

   The core duties include preparing and executing therapeutic care plans, applying child life interventions, preparing patients and families for medical experiences, and facilitating playroom activities.

4. What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?

   WVU Medicine offers a supportive and collaborative work environment with a focus on patient-centered care and professional development.

5. What opportunities are there for professional growth?

   WVU Medicine provides opportunities for specialization, leadership roles, education, and research.

6. What benefits are offered to employees?

   WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

7. How does a Child Life Specialist contribute to the healthcare team?

   Child Life Specialists provide valuable emotional and developmental support to patients and families, helping them cope with the challenges of illness and hospitalization, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to integrate child life services into the overall care plan.

8. What type of training or mentorship is provided to new hires?

   New hires receive comprehensive training and mentorship to ensure they are well-equipped to provide high-quality care. Continuous education opportunities are provided.

9. What is the typical patient population that a Child Life Specialist works with?

   Child Life Specialists work with a diverse patient population, ranging from infants to adolescents, with a variety of medical conditions and treatment needs.

10. How does the Child Life department measure its success?

    Success is often measured by patient satisfaction scores, positive feedback from families and healthcare professionals, and the overall impact of child life interventions on patient outcomes.