Child Development Child Life Services

Develops, implements, assesses and oversees psychosocial and activity programs for pediatric patients and their families. Provides age-specific needs. Assists in minimizing stress and anxiety for children and adolescents. Fosters continued growth and development and prevent adverse reactions to hospitalization. Educates staff in child development and child/family adjustment to hospital stay and/or care, treatment, or interventions. Orients, trains, and provides guidance to Child Life interns and volunteers, first year medical students, and high school and college students.

• Plans and directs activities in area of Child Life.


• Creates therapeutic environment. Promotes health patterns of growth and development. Directs group activities.


• Determines overall child development needs. Implements program. Develops and monitors QA indicators.


• Develops and maintains department records and reports. Collects statistical data.


• Establishes educational programs. Provides individual patients with psychological preparation for medical events.


• Redirects parental concerns to appropriate persons.


• Develops, conducts and evaluates comprehensive therapeutic programs and objectives. Assists in providing developmental assessment of patients.


• Functions as part of interdisciplinary health care team in development of care plans and in dissemination of information.


• Recommends selection, evaluation and hire of volunteers as potential employees. Schedules meetings, administrative duties and replenishment of supplies.


• Acts as region-wide program coordinator. Writes yearly grants. Manages funds awarded to program by balancing yearly budget and paying bills. Networks with community agencies. Works to secure funding. Maintains contact with National Center via reporting system. Coordinates special program events.


• Orients, trains, and provides guidance to volunteers. Assists with region-wide provider training.


• Provides education, evaluation, guidance, and training to various Hawaii public high school students, medical students and Child Life interns from Hawaii and mainland schools.


• Develops and implements in-service training to hospital staff.


• Plans, conducts, and supervises projects of moderate scope.


• Serves as liaison between inpatient and outpatient services. Serves as resource to nursing community and other disciplines.


• Supports guidelines established by Child Life Council. Assists in establishing and maintaining Child Life policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, safety, environmental and infection control standards.


• Collaborates in and coordinates special events/activities.


• Maintains professional growth and development through education, in-services and professional affiliations; maintains knowledge of current trends.


• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide care and/or service appropriate to age groups served.