Child Life Assistant

Are you passionate about working with children and making a positive impact on their lives? Do you have a strong understanding of child development and a desire to help children cope with difficult experiences? Duke University Health System is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child Life Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to support our young patients and their families through various medical procedures and hospital stays. We are looking for someone who is organized, empathetic, and has a natural ability to connect with children. If you have a background in child life, child development, or a related field, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our young patients at Duke University Health System.

1. Develop and implement age-appropriate activities and interventions to support and enhance the emotional, social, and psychological well-being of pediatric patients.
2. Collaborate with the child life team and other healthcare professionals to assess the individual needs of patients and create individualized care plans.
3. Provide emotional support and comfort to patients and their families during medical procedures and hospital stays.
4. Utilize knowledge of child development to help children understand and cope with their medical experiences.
5. Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, adhering to infection control and hospital safety policies.
6. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions and progress.
7. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members to ensure a positive and supportive experience for the children.
8. Assist in organizing special events and programs for pediatric patients, such as holiday celebrations or recreational activities.
9. Advocate for the needs of pediatric patients and their families, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
10. Stay current on best practices and research in the field of child life and incorporate new techniques and strategies into daily practice.
11. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when working with sensitive information and situations.
12. Serve as a role model and mentor to students and volunteers interested in child life or related fields.
13. Adhere to all hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
14. Continuously evaluate and improve child life programs and interventions to ensure the highest quality of care for patients and families.
15. Participate in departmental meetings and trainings to stay informed and up-to-date on hospital policies and procedures.

According to JobzMall, the average salary range for a Child Life Assistant in Durham, NC, USA is $33,000 - $55,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on experience, education, and the specific organization or hospital hiring for the role. Some entry-level positions may start at a lower salary, while more experienced Child Life Assistants may earn a higher salary. Additionally, salaries may also vary based on the cost of living in the specific area.

Duke Health integrates the Duke University Health System (all of our hospitals and clinics), Duke University School of Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Duke University School of Nursing, Private Diagnostic Clinic (Duke physicians practice), and incorporates the health and health research programs within the Duke Global Health Institute as well as those in schools and centers across Duke University, including the Duke Robert J. Margolis Center for Health Policy.