The Child Life Assistant (CLA) will work closely with the Child Life Specialists in planning, implementing and evaluating activities and interactions of patients at El Paso Children’s Hospital. These activities could take place in the playrooms or at bedside to support psychosocial and developmental needs. The CLA promotes patient and family centered care observing the child and families and reporting these observations to the Child Life Specialists as appropriate. The CLA maintains and oversees the playrooms ensuring a safe, healing environment to reduce stress and anxiety for hospitalized children and adolescents.

Required Skills

1. Strong interpersonal, organizational skills.
2. Ability to communicate effectively within a team, across disciplines, and with patient and families.
3. Ability to function independently, prioritize, and manage time.
4. Ability to function effectively under stress of conflicting demands and during tense and emotional situations.

Required Experience

Work Experience:

One (1) year of experience working with children in the healthcare setting and/or children in individual and group settings.

Education:

Two (2+) years college coursework related to this field and/or associate’s degree from a community college.

Preferred fields of study include Child Development, Human Growth and Family Studies, Psychology, Child Life or related fields.

License/Registration/Certification:

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

1. Strong interpersonal, organizational skills.
2. Ability to communicate effectively within a team, across disciplines, and with patient and families.
3. Ability to function independently, prioritize, and manage time.
4. Ability to function effectively under stress of conflicting demands and during tense and emotional situations.