Under the general supervision of the Child Life Supervisor, the Child Life Gaming and Technology Specialist works as part of the child life team to promote growth and development using technology-based programming. While primarily based in the Child Life Zone, the Technology Specialist assumes responsibility for developing and management all gaming, electronics and streaming services of the department, providing purposeful experiences that facilitate positive experiences for patients, siblings, and families during their hospital stay.

Essential Job Statements

Performance Expectations: Child Life Zone Operations

The Child Life Gamily and Technology Specialist ensures the daily operations of gaming and technology-based programming within the Child Life Zone

• Ensures Zone equipment is in good working order, including, but not limited to traditional gaming, filming and recording, virtual and augmented reality, telepresence robots, social media tutorials, basic toy robotic engineering, and 3D printing.
• Requests for repairs through internal service response and Zone Network support as appropriate.
• Provides regular staffing of Zone on conjunction with other Zone staff and volunteers.
• Assist with supervision and training of volunteers.

Performance Expectation: Development and Implementation of Technology-based Therapeutic Programming in the Child Life Zone

The Child Life Gamily and Technology Specialist collaborates with the child life and interdisciplinary teams to provide technology-based programming for patients and families.

• Assess needs and interests related to programming for patients and siblings through internal and external resources.
• Develop and facilitate individualized and group therapeutic gaming and tech experiences for various age groups to support normalization, recreation, and socialization.
• Documents patient and family interactions in medical record as appropriate.

Performance Expectations: Performance Space and CHOR Live IPTV

The Child Life Gamily and Technology Specialist assumes primary responsibility for the technology and streaming assets associated with the Mustaches for Kids Performance Space and CHOR Live programming

• Ensures audio/visual equipment in performance space is properly functioning and set up for child life programming events.
• Maintains scheduling of CHOR Live programming including recording/streaming of live events.
• Collaborate with Zone Coordinator and Child Life Special Events team to plan live streaming events (e.g. BINGO).

Performance Expectation: Child Life Department Technology Support

Assists child life team throughout hospital with technology related needs.

• Provide technology assistance to child life associates including co-treatment support. Develops job aids and training documentation as needed.
• Oversight of gaming and electronics in Tower and Pavilion playrooms (e.g. Xbox, arcade games, gaming table).
• Primary responsibility for programming, troubleshooting, and update department Ipad devices.
• Research upcoming technology and inform child life associates of tools that can be utilized for stress and pain management, alternative focus, education, and bereavement.
• Works alongside the Child Life Manager to acquire new technologies and/or solve complex Information Systems issues.

Performance Expectation: Maintain relationships with Teammates For Kids Child Life Zone Network and advocates within the surrounding community

• Maintain regular communication with Child Life Zone Network including networking and education opportunities.
• Promote, advertise, and speak about child life zone services with patients, families, staff, and community members.
• Occasional travel to Zone Network events may be required with advance notice.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with organizations that wish to support and develop technology and technology-based programming.
• Participates in collaborative initiatives with other technology programs across the United States.

Performance Expectation: Child Life Department Responsibility

• Assist child life team in providing holiday celebrations on units to promote normalization of the hospital environment.
• Assist child life team with the acquisition and distribution of donations.
• Participation in assigned committee work and departmental projects.
• Participates in continuing education and leadership trainings.
• Grant writing and other proposal work as appropriate for position.
• Maintains an accurate account of gaming program statistics and other related productivity information for the department reports and the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Performance Expectation: Miscellaneous Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and the assigned areas.
• Provides assistance to team members.
• Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously.

Independent action(s) required :

• Independent management of day-to-day interactions with patients and families and facilitation of Zone activities.
• Independent management of Zone supplies and playroom (with input from child life supervisor).
• Proactively support the child life department and child life specialists as needed, with or without direct instruction.

Additional position requirements :
Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be required with advance notice.

Age Specific groups served:
All patients admitted to a pediatric service, with services also provided to their families.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.

Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years).

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Required Education:

Associates degree in Childhood Development/Education or Information Technology/Game Design or related field of study .

Preferred Education:

Bachelors degree in Childhood Development/Education or Information Technology/Game Design or related field of study.

Licensing/ Certification:

Licensure/Certification Required:

Achieve CPR certification within 90 days of hire.

Licensure/Certification Preferred: n/a

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience

MINIMUM:

One year of experience (paid or volunteer) with children in a group setting.

Knowledge of Microsoft Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch gaming systems and controls is required.

Experience with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technology is required.

Knowledge of iOS, iPadOS, Android, Mac, and Windows-based devices is required.

One year of experience with children in a heath care setting or with complex medical/developmental needs.

PREFERRED:

At least two years experience with children in a hospitalized or healthcare setting.

Minimum of 1 year of experience working in gaming technologies is preferred.

Previous experience with audiovisual production and streaming services.

Previous experience with volunteer supervision and management.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan, patient/family relations to hospitalization and coping skills.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to problem solve, be creative, take initiative and work independently.

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

General office environment.

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.

May be required to use physical restraints.

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. *

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. *

May have periods of constant interruptions.

Prolonged periods of working alone.

Physical Requirements

Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.)

Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.)

Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.)

Stoop, Kneel, Squat

Balance

Bending

Work Position

Sitting

Walking

Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)

Perform shift work

Maneuver weight of patients

Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder

Reach above shoulder

Repetitive arm/hand movements

Finger Dexterity

Color Vision

Acuity – far

Acuity – near

Hazards

Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents

Mental/Sensory – Emotional

Mental / Sensory

Strong Recall

Reasoning

Problem Solving

Hearing

Speak Clearly

Write Legibly

Reading

Logical Thinking

Other

Emotional

Fast pace environment

Steady Pace

Able to Handle Multiple Priorities

Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions

Noisy Environment

Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.