Child Care Specialist

Our client, a well-known medical facility based in Abu Dhabi, is currently recruiting a Child Care Specialist. In this role, you will be expected to provide support and guidance to children and families/carers through the emotional and physical aspects of admission to a long-term care facility. Using theoretical knowledge and evidence based practice, will plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play interventions whilst being aware of the emotional needs of the hospitalised child.

Other responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• use professional knowledge of development and the effect of illness/hospitalisation to assess, plan and implement play programmes
• use therapeutic techniques such as preparation, distraction and post procedural play to suit the individual needs of the child and reduce the negative or negative effects of hospitalisation.
• Support children and their families to understand a process, procedure, or other element of their medical experience.
• Be aware of residents’ physical, emotional and social needs and how to provide them with a better quality of life.
• Introduce coping strategies to help reduce anxiety and enhance cooperation with the health care team.
• prepare residents for medical procedures or treatment using language that they understand
• Offer opportunities for play and expressive activities, to encourage normal development and a sense of fun in creative ways to accommodate residents with various levels of abilities.
• Promote family-centered care by providing information, advocacy and support to families of residents.
• Develop and facilitate of socialization groups for residents.
• Develop, market and facilitate of sibling programs as required.
• Develop group content for schooling/life skills programs for residents.
• Develop appropriate group content and facilitation of groups for children between the ages of 0 and 18 years with different-abled residents.
• Advocate for the special needs of children and their families.
• Provide information, support, and guidance to parents and family members.
• Collaborate with the health care team to coordinate and manage care of residents within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Prioritize own caseload in accordance with individuals/service needs
• Create a safe and welcoming environment for all children to experience play whilst inpatient

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Certification in Child Life Studies or equivalent degree
• Not less than 5 years’ experience in working with children with special educational needs
• Bachelors of Child Life Studies
• Experience working with children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities.
• Experience in dealing with children with various levels of abilities.
• Good planning skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work within a team and independently
• Desirable
• Understanding of complex physical impairments in children
• Competent with computers
• Experience with audits and service improvements
• Experience with special technology devices to aid educational programs