Behavioral Advocate (Full Time, Days)

Description

Job Summary

In collaboration with the healthcare team, provides support to children diagnosed with autism, as well as those with communication and behavioral vulnerabilities, within the hospital setting. Incorporates behavior management techniques, offers support, advocacy, and education to staff, and ensures the provision of care to a defined group of patients. Works closely with the Adaptive Care team and Child Life to implement the plan of care, while advocating for and supporting the identified individuals.

Job Specific Duties

• Assists in carrying out behavior management strategies under the guidance of a Child Life specialist and Adaptive Care.
  
• Supports the Child Life team in addressing the emotional, psychological, and developmental needs of pediatric patients through structured behavioral interventions.
  
• Collaborates with the Adaptive Care team as a liaison to ensure medical and clinical staff are following the adaptive care plan.
  
• Observes and reports on patient behaviors, assisting Child Life specialists and the Adaptive Care team in adjusting strategies and plans as necessary.
  
• Reports behavioral patterns to Child Life specialists and the Adaptive Care team, assisting in the development of individualized care plans.
  
• Helps care team manage behavioral crises (Code Bears) by using de-escalation techniques and assisting in calming and comforting patients during distress.
  
• Provides feedback and support to clinical staff on how to handle challenging behaviors effectively, following the guidance of Child Life specialists and Adaptive Care Team.
  
• Supports the Child Life team and nursing staff in facilitating activities and interventions designed to promote emotional healing, development, and coping strategies for patients.
  
• Assists in organizing and delivering age-appropriate activities that support positive behavioral health outcomes, such as play, art, and recreational play.
  
• Assists in training hospital staff on child behavior and emotional support under the direction of a Child Life Specialist or Adaptive Care BCBA.
  
• Supports Child Life and Adaptive Care in educating staff on strategies to effectively manage and communicate with pediatric patients exhibiting challenging behaviors, in alignment with the Adaptive Care Plan or Child Life interventions.
  
• Engages in continuous professional development opportunities related to child behavior, emotional support, and therapeutic interventions.
  
• Serves as a certified CPI Instructor, providing training to staff on de-escalation techniques, crisis prevention, and safe intervention strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, families, and staff members.
  
• Develops a productive work environment for volunteers; trains, orients, motivates, and supports volunteers.
  
• Uses hospital census and electronic heath record to identify unit needs for bedside play.
  
• Engages with patients at bedside, in the unit Play Spaces, or in Outpatient areas; plans and implements appropriate recreational activities and communicates observations to the team.
  
• Engages children in Play Space activities; maintains Play Space environment including cleaning equipment and stocking shelves/cabinets.

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a clinical or educational field such as nursing, applied behavior analysis, special education, psychology, social work, child life, etc. 
  
• American Heart Association BLS - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
  
• Certification as a CPI Instructor obtained within 3 months of employment and maintained throughout employment
  
• 1-3 years of experience in clinical pediatric setting
  
• 1-3 years of experience working with neuro divergent patents and other behavior challenges

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Master's degree is preferred.
  
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
  
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary setting.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  
• Able to take on multiple tasks at a time.
  
• Able to perform expert specialized skills that are required for specific specialty area.
  
• Able to teach specialized skills that are required for specific specialty area.
  
• Well versed in conflict management skills.
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills in order to interact with patients, caregiver(s), physicians, and healthcare professionals in all work-related situations.
  
• Possesses and demonstrates effective written communication skills for record keeping and report writing.
  
• Analytical ability necessary to evaluate, interpret, and analyze data.
  
• Possess strong organizational and planning skills.
  
• Knowledge in data collection and interpretation.
  
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).

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