Duke University - Raleigh, NC
posted 4 months ago
About the position
At Duke Health, we are committed to compassionate care that transforms the lives of patients, their families, and the broader community. We invite you to join us in advancing health together. Duke University Hospital, located in Durham, North Carolina, is consistently recognized among the best hospitals in the United States and is the top-ranked hospital in North Carolina according to U.S. News and World Report. As the largest of Duke Health's three hospitals, it features 1,048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, and comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center and an endo-surgery center. This unique Child and Adolescent Life position focuses on addressing the emotional and developmental needs of children and teens whose parents are facing cancer. The Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) will conduct educational sessions with families to empower parents in guiding their children through understanding and discussing the cancer diagnosis, treatments, side effects, and the changes in family dynamics that may arise. Additionally, the Specialist will lead a monthly support program called KidsCan!, which provides a platform for children and teens to share their experiences and coping strategies related to a parent's cancer. These sessions will be conducted both virtually and in-person, featuring various themes and age-appropriate activities designed to foster relationships and learning among families. This part-time position requires approximately 20 hours a week, with a hybrid work model that includes three days on-site at the Duke Cancer Center Southpoint Clinic for family meetings and staff interactions, and two days of remote meetings with families via video conference. The role involves a variety of interventions aimed at promoting coping skills, emotional health, and optimal development for pediatric patients and their families in a hospital setting.
Responsibilities
- Assess the emotional and medical needs of assigned patients and families to determine the support needed during the medical experience.
- Formulate a plan of interaction based on assessment of patient and family and present the plan to team members at psychosocial rounds and team meetings.
- Document all interactions in medical record charts.
- Provide play/recreational activities for assigned patients consistent with developmental needs to normalize the environment and facilitate assessments.
- Utilize developmentally-appropriate methods for preparing children and families for diagnostic, treatment, and surgical procedures to optimize patients' understanding of their experience as well as their coping.
- Participate in activities to support family-centered and comprehensive care.
- Maintain ongoing communication with physicians, nurses, unit and clinical staff to ensure a coordinated approach to patient care.
- Address and attempt to limit the disruptive effects of illness, clinic visits, and hospitalization.
- Provide in-service training to students, other staff, and professional groups to improve the practice of family-centered, developmentally-appropriate, and psychosocially-sound health care.
- Participate in programs for professional training and development to enhance job performance.
- Perform other administrative and related duties incidental to the work described.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Child Life, Counseling, Special Education, Recreation Therapy, or a directly related field.
- One year of experience working with hospitalized children or in an educational training program working with children preferred.
- A Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) certification is required.
