Rad.Onc.Child Life Specialist at Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH) in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

General Summary/Overview Statements:



Under general supervision and in accordance with established professional and Radiation Oncology departmental standards, develops and participates in therapeutic activities and programs to meet patients' psychosocial and developmental needs and helps to facilitate adjustment as pediatric patients undergo radiation therapy. Serves as member of multidisciplinary team. Delegates work assignments to volunteers and participates in clinical training of student interns.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities



The statements below describe the essential duties of the person or persons assigned to this job. They are not intended as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities.


1. Plans and develops therapeutic programs and activities for patients/families in Radiation Oncology. Determines program goals, organizes and provides a preparation program in conjunction with chief Pediatric Radiation Oncologist and Pediatric Oncology Nurses to prepare children and their families for the radiation oncology experience.


2. Assesses behavioral and age-specific developmental needs based on Child Life competencies. Develops and implements activities, programs and intervention strategies to meet patients' needs and facilitate adjustment to healthcare experiences.


3. Participates in supportive programs with patients and families. Functions as an advocate for the children and their families in the Radiation Oncology Department by providing emotional support and information re services available. Educates patients, parents and siblings regarding impact of cancer treatment including radiation therapy.


4. Collaborates with DFCI psychosocial staff, and assesses the psychosocial, developmental and recreational needs of the child to help evaluate them for anesthesia as well as developmental, therapeutic interventions.


5. Supervises Child Life students in the Radiation Oncology setting. Serves as liaison to the academic supervisor, department director and other department staff. Delegates work responsibilities to volunteers as appropriate. Provides direction as needed to ensure duties are performed according to established standards, guidelines and instructions.

Establishes and maintains an ongoing data base to document the Child Life services provided

Implements quality improvement strategies that include multidisciplinary meetings, review of program goals and documentation of quality improvement measures.

Maintains knowledge of current professional trends, practices and techniques through participation in professional organizations, attendance at conferences, seminars and other continuing education programs.

Insures maintenance of program standards in accordance with the standards and ethics developed and endorsed by the Association for the Care of Children's Health and the Child Life Council.

Qualifications

Qualifications



1. Work requires the knowledge of theories, principles, and concepts through completion of a Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Child Life, or a closely related field with a concentration in child life. A minimum 480-hour Child Life internship under the supervision of a certified child life specialist is required.


2. Work requires the general skills to resolve problems requiring the use of child development theory, professional child life principles, and experienced-based knowledge.


3. Work requires well-developed writing skills. Applicant must possess excellent communication skills including conflict resolution to effectively work as a team member.



Physical Requirements of the Job



1. Work requires frequently lifting and carrying patients/children/objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting and carrying patients/children/objects weighing 11 to 20 pounds.


2. Work requires regularly stooping and bending.


3. Work requires regularly reaching and grasping objects below shoulder level, frequently reaching and grasping objects at shoulder level and occasionally reaching and grasping objects above shoulder level.


4. Work requires regularly grasping and fine manipulation with hands.


5. Work requires regularly proofreading and checking documents for accuracy and inputting/retrieving words or data into or from an automated/computer system.



Blood Borne Pathogen Category



Potential Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens. Job may require performance of tasks that involve potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.



EEO Statement

Brigham and Women's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or on basis of disability. Apply Now