Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Applied Science in any Child Studies/Child Psychology or equivalent degree in either Early Childhood Studies, or Child Development / or Therapeutic Play. (Fulltime Studies).

Preferred: Masters or Post-graduate Diploma in Child Life / Therapeutic Play. 

EXPERIENCE:

2 years of clinical experience in a pediatric setting, working with children and families.(Licensed Experience).

Preferred: At least 1 year experience working with children and families in a hospital or in a community health care setting. 

CERTIFICIATION/LICENSURE:

Valid Primary License from the country of origin (if applicable) AND should be eligible for license from the licensing authority in the State of Qatar to practice as a healthcare profession.

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION:

To be considered for the vacancy you must have one of the following:

Current - CCLS credential - Certified Child Life Specialist.   (To obtain the CCLS credential the candidate must pass the CCLS exam (available worldwide) resulting in CCLS credential)

OR Current  - Registered Hospital Play Therapist/ Health care Play therapist in the the UK / New Zealand. 

Specification

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assesses the developmental level, and the psycho-social and emotional responses of the child to the illness and treatment process. Develops and implements a plan of care to promote optimum development and maintain normalized living patterns and experiences. Provides a variety of goal directed play programs and opportunities for gaining a senses of mastery, self expression, learning, family involvement and peer interaction, in both the inpatient and the ambulatory setting.

Works collaboratively as a member of the health care team. Supports the academic health sciences centre by providing/sharing knowledge with families, the public and other professionals internal and external to the Hospital for Sick Children. Strives to provide evidence-based care by integrating research with practice. Maintains a commitment to lifelong learning and creates, utilizes and/or disseminates new knowledge to others.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Assess / Plan Care: Performs developmental screening of the child (referral guidelines available)

Performs in-depth assessment of the child's: Capacity to engage in developmentally appropriate activities related to play and social interaction understanding and ability to manage/cope with procedures, illness and the treatment process behavior and /or play patterns special needs related to lengthy and/or repeated hospitalization. Prioritizes needs of child/family based on child life evaluation criteria. Develops a child life plan of care in collaboration with the child/family and the health care team. Referral guidelines available. Documents on the development of the interdisciplinary plan of care.

Provide: A variety of age/developmentally appropriate play experiences to promote the maintenance of normal living patterns and minimize stress/ trauma associated with hospitalization

Provides Child Life interventions that include: play programs that address identified social/emotional/physical/developmental issues (individual and/or group). preparation and/or development of coping strategies for medical/surgical procedures and hospitalization. Distraction/support during procedures

Supervision/direction to volunteers: Provides leadership and education to Child Life Students. Facilitates discharge planning in collaboration with the health care team. Orientation/education to new and existing H.S.C. staff as to Child Life role. Advocacy for child/family needs. Provides and maintains safe toys and environment.

Evaluate: Assesses, evaluates and revises the plan of care based on Child Life evaluation criteria within the framework of the interdisciplinary plan of care. Ensures the Child Life plan is responsive to and supportive of the individualized needs of the child/family with regard to acuity of illness, necessity of technology, and goals of the interdisciplinary team.

Consult: Provides expert consultation to children/families, H.S.C. staff, community agencies, satellite centres, national and international centres.

Research/ Education: Participates in and promotes research. Practices evidence-based care.

Organizational Responsibilities: Accountable to align activities and performance with strategic goals and objectives. Adheres to hospital standards, policies, procedures in all aspects of providing care. Participates in Quality Management, including Clinical Resource Management activities. Participates in the Performance Management Program. Participates in hospital/departmental committees. Participates in continuing education activities. Performs administrative duties as required.

Physical Requirements: This position requires standing, sitting, walking, and talking for undetermined periods of time. The individual can reasonably be expected to bend, stoop, reach, turn, and carry certain amount of weight 50 % of the time.

Working Conditions: Regular Hours of Work: 40 hours/week Irregular Hours of Work: Flexible to meet child & family needs. Work Environment (unusual hazards, irritants, etc.): Exposure to infectious diseases, working in an environment designed for children.

About the Employer

THE MEDICAL GROUP:

Qatar’s national healthcare delivery system is rapidly developing. Here, you will have the opportunity to team with the best and the brightest professionals in healthcare and to provide world class patient care service for the population. This medical group has one of the biggest workforce in Qatar, with more than 2 million people living and working in Qatar, this diverse and exciting organization has more than 90 different nationalities working to deliver the best care always to their patients and the Qatar community.

Since its establishment the healthcare provider rapidly developed medical facilities capable of providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of disease.  It currently manages 12 hospitals – 9 specialist hospitals and 3 community hospitals – as well as the National Ambulance Service and home and residential care services.

MORE ABOUT QATAR:

Qatar is the host country of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and listed as the richest country in the world by Forbes. Qatar is home to many expats who relocated here for work and those drawn to its life of luxury, this is most evident in the capital city Doha. Doha is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east of Qatar. Doha has awesome attractions. You will be able to experience adventure, buzzing nightlife, culture or relaxation. Qatar does not only offer the most amazing desert landscapes but also stunning beautiful beaches beautiful beaches to enjoy.