Head of Child Life Services - Hamad Medical Corporation

Job Summary

The Head of Child Life Services provides strategic leadership and direction for this professional group and the various Child Life clinical departments at a corporate level. As an integral member of the Child Life Services Department, the Head of Child Life Services is responsible for providing a mentoring role in Child Life research activities and evidence based practices; conducting research of clinical and strategic importance; providing patient care services within assigned practice area(s); orienting and training new staff to the hospital.

Provide a Leadership and Mentoring Role in the Child Life Department regarding Research and Evidence Based Practices

1. Provide leadership to staff based on excellent knowledge of research methodology including proposal development, data collection, analysis and data presentation.
2. Initiate and/or participate in multi-disciplinary research.
3. Assist other child life staff to initiate and conduct research that is aligned with child health issues.
4. Develop and conduct relevant research projects consistent with the strategic goals of HSC and/or the Child Life Department.
5. Contribute to developing the professional knowledge base of Child Life through publication in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and other appropriate means of dissemination.
6. Compete successfully for external grants and funding to support academic enterprise.
7. Link to relevant Universities and other institutions regarding academic activities.
8. Role models, coaches, mentors and motivates Child Life Specialists to improve performance and enhance professional development.
9. Assesses the learning needs of new hires and existing staff in collaboration with external partners (e.g. The Hospital for Sick Children) and medical and nursing leads in programs.
10. Develop a strategy for skills development for each Child Life Specialist.
11. Establishes and maintains a framework for credentialing of Child Life Specialists.
12. Design, establish and lead bi-weekly continuing education series for the Child Life Specialists that may include: invited speakers, teleconferences, education sessions
13. Takes the lead in the performance management process of direct reports.
14. Set-up a performance management cycle that involves establishing and accomplishing clear objectives—learning objectives, objectives to enhance the level and quality of Child Life services at the program level. Input, including peer review, from medical and nursing leads in sub-specialization areas will be an important component of performance management.

Provide Patient Care Services within Assigned Practice Area.
1. Assess and treat patients/families using relevant theories and interventions.
2. Maintain current knowledge of clinical developments in the field in order to provide leadership regarding evidence based/best practices approach.
3. Provide consultation as indicated to members of the health care team regarding the management of assigned patients.
4. Participate in program rounds and patient and/or family conferences to formulate plan for care.
5. Provide education/instruction and assistance to parents on the therapeutic management of their children.
6. Provide assistance to schools and community resources, or other medical settings, on Child Life therapeutic management of a patient.

Provide Select Planning and Administrative Role
1. Responsible for future planning and formulation of department strategic plan which will be consistent with the mission, goals, strategic plan, policies and procedures, management philosophy and practices of HMC.
2. Contribute to the overall planning and direction of Child Life in the hospital.
3. Responsible for the recruitment, hiring and training of appropriately credentialed Child Life Specialists.
4. Responsible for the financial planning of the Child Life Department
5. Develops, manages and monitors the budget for operation of the Child Life Department
6. Participate in the orientation of new Child Life staff to the department, hospital and relevant program regarding policies, services, and standards.
7. Conduct performance appraisals of staff in keeping with Human Resources policies and procedures.
8. Provide a leadership role in representing Child Life within the hospital, pediatric network and community agencies.

Contribute to the Development of Programs and Program Evaluation
1. Plan and develop assessment procedures and treatment approaches for specific diagnostic groups in collaboration with program based Child Life staff and other relevant staff.
2. Develop research protocols for program evaluation regarding above in collaboration with Child Life staff and other relevant staff.
3. Assume responsibility for establishing and maintaining CLS link with Early Childhood Diploma Program.

Perform other duties consistent with the classification
1. Serve on department, hospital and community committees/task forces etc. as requested

Job Details

Preferred Candidate