MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is a not-for-profit, acute-care teaching and research hospital with 609 beds located in Northwest Washington, DC. Founded in the Jesuit principle of cura personalis—caring for the whole person—MedStar Georgetown is committed to offering a variety of innovative diagnostic and treatment options within a trusting and compassionate environment. MedStar Georgetown’s healthcare professionals have a reputation for medical excellence and leadership.
The Child Life Specialist is a member of an interdisciplinary health care team that provides optimal developmental and psychosocially appropriate care for pediatric patients and their families helping to assess children’s developmental and coping needs. The CLS implements developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions that minimize distress associated with hospitalization and other medical experiences and provides consultation to health care team during weekly psychosocial rounds regarding developmental status and individual needs of children to promote adaptation to treatment. The incumbent also executes Hope for Henry Programs with the mission of improving the lives of seriously-Ill children being treated at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital’s Lombardi Cancer Center and in the Pediatric Inpatient Unit.
Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Education, Psychology, Child Development or a related field is required.
* Professionally certified child life specialist. Additional certification as a recreational therapist, art therapist, drama therapist or dance/movement specialist preferred.
* Two years experience as a child life specialist in an acute health care setting. Experience with children of all ages and developmental levels is preferred.
* Ability to assess and interact with patients and families applying theories of human growth and development, family systems, and cultural diversity.
* Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to organize and prioritize work.
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. Our 30,000 associates and 5,400 affiliated physicians work in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest visiting nurse association in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education and professional development of our whole team. MedStar Health offers diverse opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.