Medical Social Associate (Child Life Specialist)

Medical Social Associate (Child Life Specialist)

Hiring Department: CHECK

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1023444

Posting Close Date: March 8, 2024

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This is a full-time and benefits eligible position. UIC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. In addition all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes; Vacation, Holiday and Sick. In addition we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Description:

Under administrative supervision from CHECK leadership, is responsible for collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to create and implement Child Life interventions and programs to assigned patients. This includes providing services at both Cook County Hospital, UIC, and other potential sites as the program develops. The primary purpose of this position is to provide optimal developmental and psychosocial care and interventions to support pediatric care. Child life interventions include but are not limited to; procedural preparation, support and distraction, support programs and education for siblings and family members, teaching coping techniques and developing coping plans, utilizing knowledge of child development to create appropriate interventions, and providing family-centered care.
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Ensures the delivery of Child Life services through assessment and intervention, and by providing a safe and therapeutic environment for patients and families

• Works with the multidisciplinary team to address individual psychosocial needs of patients and families to promote coping and adjustment to upcoming hospitalization, if applicable

• Facilitates and teaches effective coping techniques while working in conjunction with patients to create coping plan tailored to patient’s individual and developmental needs

• Offers additional preparation, education, and medical play for siblings and family members. Provides the caregivers and siblings with developmentally appropriate resources and education regarding medical experiences

• Offers developmentally appropriate activities to patients and siblings during extended wait times to help distract and ensure positive experiences when receiving emergency services.

• Participates in meetings committees to enhance patient care, patient experience, pain management, and unit operations

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary team to effectively communicate and learn about patient and family needs

• Provides updates and educational information to the department with relevant education on psychosocial needs.

• Provides training and support as needed to departmental students and staff assisting with Child Life related efforts. May include assistance in onboarding of new staff members and organizing resources/information to be provided to patients in clinic.

• Assists with the development of training materials related to the short and long-term planned curriculum for the Child Life Program. Collaborates with Child Life team to enhance programming.

• Develops and maintains relationships with partner organizations, potential donors, and community organizations. Assists with pursuit of donor supports…etc. as needed.

• Selects, purchases, and maintains an inventory of therapeutic, educational and recreational books, toys, games, electronic equipment, and other supplies as needed

• Completes, reviews, and submits medical documentation for the purpose of documenting services, determining eligibility for new and continued services, and compliance with applicable regulations.

• Assists in the planning, development, and implementation of child health related social and/or educational programs for CHECK Program within the Department of Pediatrics

• Collaborates with other professional staff members in meeting the individual needs of program participants; as necessary, consults with higher-level care providers and physicians.

• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• A. Bachelor's degree with a major in the social or behavioral science or related health specialty from an accredited college or university.
  OR

  B. Master's degree in social or behavioral science or related health specialty area from an accredited college or university.

• One (1) year (12 months) of progressively more responsible full-time experience in the practice of social services/ agencies or medical/clinical setting maintaining acceptable standards of social work practices
• Demonstrated experience providing services as a Child Life Specialist. A Child Life Specialist is a healthcare provider who helps children cope with their medical experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) preferred.

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation