COVID-19 Vaccination Information

Across UPMC, our guiding principle is to always prioritize the safety of our employees, patients, and members. UPMC believes that vaccination is important, helps protect all, and advocates that everyone who can be vaccinated should be vaccinated.

UPMC complies with all governmental requirements related to local, state, and federal COVID-19 vaccination for employment. The Jan. 13 Supreme Court of the United States decision that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate will move forward requires UPMC to ensure employees either get vaccinated or receive a requested medical or religious exemption.

If you are not yet vaccinated, we urge you to get a vaccine now. You can schedule your COVID-19 vaccination through UPMC or visit a non-UPMC provider or UPMC Urgent Care location.

Proof of vaccination is not required upon hire; however, employees will be responsible for ensuring post-hire compliance by getting vaccinated or requesting a medical or religious exemption.

For more information about UPMC’s response to COVID-19, please visit UPMC.com/coronavirus.

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Child Life Specialist, Associate

  • Job ID: 247198852
  • Status: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • Hours: 8:30AM-4:30PM
  • Shift: Day Job
  • Facility: UPMC Pinnacle Hospitals
  • Department: Child Life Specialist
  • Location: 111 South Front Street, Harrisburg PA 17105
  • Union Position: No
  • Salary Range: $22.18 to $33.24 / hour

Description

Responsible for providing developmentally appropriate education, preparation and programming which optimizes growth and development of children, supports and maintains normal living patterns and minimizes psychosocial trauma associated with healthcare experiences. Possesses a theoretical knowledge base of normal child development and the psychosocial effects of hospitalization and illness on children and families. Demonstrates competence in clinical skills, problem solving and priority setting.

Responsibilities:

  • Support, direct and assess the performances of the Child Life Assistants. Is active in the training and supervision of students and volunteers.
  • Communicate developmentally appropriate explanations regarding medical encounters to patients and families. Assist patients and parents in understanding the issues of hospitalization and illness through preparation and post-procedural debriefing. Provide emotional support to patients during medical procedures through stress point coping techniques.
  • Collect, assess and record information regarding the patient and/or family to identify developmental level and psychosocial needs. Develop, update and implement individualized child life plans for priority patients. Document in the electronic chart in compliance with the child life policy and standards.
  • Maintain an environment which is safe, supportive and developmentally based. Provide therapeutic activities for supervised individuals and patient groups, which encourage expression of feelings and promote a sense of mastery and understanding of health care experiences.
  • Discuss death, bereavement, loss and related issues with patients, siblings and families, when appropriate.
  • Cooperatively communicate patient needs and normal child development issues with health care staff through documentation, rounds, patient care conferences and meetings. Refer patients and families to appropriate services and supporting programs as needed.
  • Advocate for patient and Family Centered Care. Establish rapport and orients the patient and family to the hospital environment. Support the child's relationship with parents, siblings and peers. Help the patient and family make the transition from home to hospital and from hospital to home.

 

Qualifications

Required level of education:

  • Bachelor's degree: Area of education: Child Life, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Psychology or a related health care major. Master's degree preferred.
  • Completion of a 600-hour Child Life Internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist and/or CCLS work experience.
  • Certification as child life specialist or exam eligible

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
*Cert Child Life Counsel * Certification required within 1 year of hireCPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Act 33 with renewal
  • Act 34 with renewal
  • Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Individuals hired into this role must comply with UPMC’s COVID vaccination requirements upon beginning employment with UPMC. Refer to the COVID-19 Vaccination Information section at the top of this page to learn more. 

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   Current UPMC employees must apply in HR Direct

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