Day (United States of America)Seeking Breakthrough Makers
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.
At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care-and your career. CHOP's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.
We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.
A Brief Overview Provide basic purpose or primary function of the job:
Assess, plan and conduct developmentally appropriate play experiences in activity areas and at the bedside which promote the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of patients and siblings of all ages (infancy through adolescence) during hospitalization. Trains, supervises, and facilitates volunteer participation in providing support to patients and families, while also serving as a resource person for patients, families, and staff.
What you will do
Supports developmental, recreational, and social needs of patients and family members through providing emotional support and appropriate play/activities
Recognizes the developmental level of patients and/or siblings of all ages (infants through adolescents)
Prioritizes patient developmental, educational, recreational and/or social needs through assessment, verbal consults, or daily report
Facilitates group and one-on-one patient/sibling play based on developmental level to support learning, mastery, control, and normalization
Identifies and delivers developmentally appropriate toys/activities to patients at the bedside
Makes appropriate referrals to other services (e.g. child life specialists, art therapists, music therapists, hospital school program, etc.)
Provides and documents interventions supporting identified needs and Plan of Care goals
Evaluates patient responses to interventions, communicating observations and pertinent information to interdisciplinary team members
Posts regular schedule of unit playroom program activities
Provides a clean, safe, and welcoming playroom environment, as well as maintains age-appropriate supplies in compliance with safety and infection control policies
Partners with child life specialist(s) to design and equip a play environment that caters to a range of ages and safely meets patient/family needs
Introduces self and role to family members, acclimating family members to the playroom guidelines and contents
Organizes playroom environment to promote use, normalization, comfort, and safety
Adheres to infection control policies relative to toy cleaning, toy lending, and playroom attendance
Identifies potential safety hazards, problem solves, implements solutions, and reports safety concerns
Safely assists patients to and from playroom, including those with medical equipment
Assists in managing and maintaining inventory and storage of unit supplies
Enforces and abides by Hospital policy regarding playroom use and access during Limited Visitation
Supervises and trains volunteers to compliment playroom and bedside activities
Supervises, coordinates, and supports assigned volunteers on an ongoing basis to ensure interactions with patients, families, and staff are appropriate and safety standards are maintained
In collaboration with child life specialist, assigns volunteers to patients based on assessment and play/activity needs
Supports volunteer involvement in assigned activity areas by providing guidance in building relationship with patients and encouraging participation in planned activities
Assists in the facilitation and promotion of special events and closed circuit TV programming
Supports Patient Media & Events Associate in the planning, set-up, and tear down of patient entertainment, holiday activities and other events
Promotes patient involvement in specialist events/visits
Provides assistance and direction to community/entertainment groups and visitors to support them in their interactions with children, families, and staff
Follows hospital and department procedures, participates in departmental responsibilities, and maintains effective interdepartmental relations
Completes all required training by established deadlines
Participates and contributes to team projects, department committees and/or taskforces
Participates in departmental quality improvement initiatives, including maintaining data as requested
Education Qualifications
High School Diploma / GED Required
Associate's Degree child development, early childhood education or related field Preferred
Experience Qualifications
At least two (2) years professional experience working with children Preferred
Skills and Abilities
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong knowledge and current experience of infant, child, and adolescent growth and development.
Demonstrates enthusiasm, interest, and skill in providing optimum care to patients and family members.
Flexibility and ability to perform multiple tasks.
Possesses an independent work initiative and organizational ability.
Ability to plan and facilitate individual and group play and recreational activities. Ability to supervise group interactions.
Ability to prioritize and complete duties in a timely and organized manner.
Work collaboratively and in a positive manner with others.
To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.
Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.
EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability or protected veteran status.