Pediatric Patient and Family Support Specialist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and families facing medical challenges? WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital is seeking a dedicated Pediatric Patient and Family Support Specialist to join our compassionate team. In this role, you will provide essential emotional, developmental, and social support to pediatric patients and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of illness, hospitalization, and medical procedures.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine your expertise in child development, psychology, or social work with your desire to provide comfort and healing. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to create individualized therapeutic care plans that promote healthy coping, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of normalcy during challenging times. If you are a compassionate and skilled professional looking to make a difference, we encourage you to apply!

Role Overview

As a Pediatric Patient and Family Support Specialist, you will be responsible for creating and implementing therapeutic interventions that address the emotional, developmental, and social needs of pediatric patients and their families. You will work closely with children of all ages, from infants to adolescents, providing age-appropriate support and guidance. Your primary goal will be to minimize the stress and fear associated with medical experiences, promoting a sense of well-being and resilience.

You will utilize a variety of child life interventions, including medical play, diagnostic teaching, and legacy building, to help children understand and cope with their medical conditions. You will also provide emotional support to families, helping them navigate the challenges of caring for a sick child. Your ability to communicate effectively, build rapport, and create a safe and supportive environment will be essential to your success in this role.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for a Pediatric Patient and Family Support Specialist at WVU Medicine might include:

• Assessing the needs of pediatric patients and their families through interviews, observations, and medical record reviews.
• Developing and implementing individualized therapeutic care plans that address the emotional, developmental, and social needs of each patient.
• Providing developmentally appropriate preparations for medical procedures, using techniques such as medical play and diagnostic teaching.
• Accompanying children to procedures and surgeries, providing emotional support and distraction.
• Leading group activities and play sessions to promote socialization and normalcy.
• Providing emotional support and guidance to families, helping them cope with the challenges of caring for a sick child.
• Collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care.
• Documenting interventions and patient progress accurately and timely.
• Participating in team meetings and contributing to the development of departmental policies and procedures.
• Staying current with best practices in child life and related fields.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown boasts a vibrant cultural scene, a thriving arts community, and a diverse range of recreational opportunities. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Morgantown is also a family-friendly community with excellent schools, affordable housing, and a low cost of living. The city offers a strong sense of community, with numerous festivals, events, and community organizations. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and family-friendly atmosphere, Morgantown is a wonderful place to live and work.

Career Path

The Pediatric Patient and Family Support Specialist role can serve as a stepping stone to various career paths within WVU Medicine. With experience and further education, you could advance to positions such as:

• Senior Child Life Specialist: Taking on leadership responsibilities, mentoring other child life specialists, and developing new programs and initiatives.
• Child Life Program Coordinator: Overseeing the operations of the child life program, managing budgets, and supervising staff.
• Child Life Manager: Leading and managing the child life department, setting strategic goals, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services.
• Patient and Family Services Director: Directing the overall patient and family services program, overseeing multiple departments, and advocating for patient and family needs.

WVU Medicine is committed to supporting the professional development of its employees, offering opportunities for training, education, and advancement.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Pediatric Patient and Family Support Specialist at WVU Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia, is between $45,000 and $65,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision).
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and vacation policy.
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health and well-being.
• Tuition reimbursement or assistance for continuing education.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.
• Employee discounts on various products and services.
• On-site childcare or childcare assistance programs.
• Wellness programs and initiatives to promote employee health.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a culture of caring, collaboration, and excellence. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we strive to create a supportive and rewarding work environment. We value diversity, inclusion, and respect, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees.

At WVU Medicine, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing high-quality care to our patients and families. You will be encouraged to grow, learn, and contribute your unique talents to our organization.

How to Apply

To apply for the Pediatric Patient and Family Support Specialist position at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital, please visit our careers website and search for the job title. You will be required to submit a resume, cover letter, and other supporting documents. Please ensure that your application materials clearly demonstrate your qualifications and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the minimum qualifications for this position?
   The minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Early Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, and Basic Life Support Certification within 30 days of hire. Two (2) years of work experience with children and families is also required.
2. What are the preferred qualifications?
   Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in Child Life Development, Child Life, Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, and completion of a 600-hour Child Life Internship. Four (4) years of work experience with children and families is also preferred.
3. What are the core duties and responsibilities of this position?
   The core duties and responsibilities include preparing and executing individualized therapeutic care plans, applying child life interventions, providing developmentally appropriate preparations for medical experiences, accompanying children to procedures and surgeries, selecting activities to foster growth, and coordinating normalization activities.
4. What skills are important for success in this role?
   Important skills include knowledge of child development, communication skills, empathy, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
5. What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?
   WVU Medicine offers a supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional development and growth.
6. What is the salary range for this position?
   The estimated salary range for this position is between $45,000 and $65,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
7. What benefits does WVU Medicine offer?
   WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance, disability coverage, and tuition reimbursement.
8. How can I apply for this position?
   You can apply for this position by visiting the WVU Medicine careers website and searching for the job title.
9. What is the culture like in Morgantown, West Virginia?
   Morgantown offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities with a vibrant cultural scene and outdoor recreational opportunities.
10. What career advancement opportunities are available at WVU Medicine?
    WVU Medicine offers opportunities for career advancement to positions such as Senior Child Life Specialist, Child Life Program Coordinator, and Child Life Manager.