Tufts Medicine - Boston, MA
posted about 2 months ago
The Child Life Specialist (CLS) at Tufts Medical Center plays a crucial role in providing developmentally appropriate support to pediatric patients and their families. This position is designed to help children cope with the stress associated with illness, injury, hospitalization, and medical procedures through a variety of therapeutic interventions. The CLS is an integral member of the healthcare team, advocating for the needs of children and families while also serving as a resource for other healthcare professionals. In this role, the CLS is responsible for designing and implementing individualized interventions based on thorough assessments of each patient's developmental stage, coping mechanisms, and psychosocial needs. The CLS utilizes medical play and developmentally appropriate language to prepare patients for medical interventions, ensuring they understand their diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the CLS employs therapeutic techniques to provide emotional support during treatments and procedures, fostering a sense of security and understanding for the patients. The CLS also plays a vital role in supporting family members, offering guidance and interventions tailored to siblings and parents. By organizing celebrations for birthdays and holidays, and facilitating educational tutoring when necessary, the CLS helps maintain continuity in the patients' lives, accommodating cultural needs and bridging differences. Furthermore, the CLS is responsible for training and supervising Child Life students and volunteers, managing supplies, and maintaining a collaborative work environment with peers to achieve shared goals. Overall, the Child Life Specialist is dedicated to enhancing the quality of care provided to pediatric patients by addressing their emotional and developmental needs in a compassionate and professional manner.