About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work - and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

The Child Life Specialist functions as an integral member of the Supportive Care Medicine and Pediatrics teams by providing educational and therapeutic interventions for pediatric patients and their families as well as the children/grandchildren of adult patients. Child Life interventions promote pediatric patients’ emotional, social, and cognitive growth and development.

The Department of Supportive Care Medicine utilizes a staff leadership model, and every employee is expected to take a leadership role in the department, including active involvement on a department work team. Employee will also be expected to actively participate in 1) marketing the department and department products and services; 2) educational and group programs, 3) program development and fundraising efforts, and 4) outreach to patients, families, other City of Hope departments and the community.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Incorporates a variety of child-centered, therapeutic interactions into interventions that support children, grandchildren, and young siblings of adult patients in coping with hospitalization, illness, treatment, and grief and bereavement issues.
• Educate children of adult patients for treatments, procedures, and/or surgery by using developmentally appropriate clinical education.
• Independently develop, coordinate, and facilitate group education and support programs such as CLIMB. Actively contribute to program development as a member/leader of Supportive Care Medicine work teams.
• Provide consultation to the health care team regarding the developmental status and individual needs of the patient and family in order to promote optimal adaptation to hospitalization and treatment.
• Communicate observations, assessments and recommendations for care to other members of the interdisciplinary team in a timely manner through participation in interdisciplinary rounds, verbal reports and concise documentation in the medical record.
• Develop and conduct in-service training related to Child Life and developmentally appropriate care for patient care provider, college students and the community. Train and supervise Child Life interns and students.
• Department representation through workshops, in-service, community events, and/or professional affiliations.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• M.S. /M.A. in Child Life or related field.
• 2-4 years of clinical child life work experience.

Required Courses/Training:

• Must be active member of the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Req. Certification/Licensure:

• Child Life Certification.

Pref. Certification/Licensure:

• Basic Life Support (BLS, through American Heart Association) certification.

Preferred Experience:

• 1-year oncology experience.

Additional Information:

• As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.
• Full Time

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.