Student Playroom Assistant

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Job Summary

The Student Playroom Assistant plays a vital role in creating a warm, developmentally appropriate, and supportive environment for pediatric patients and their families. Operating within the Child Life team, the playroom assistant facilitates group and bedside play activities to normalize the hospital environment, lessen anxiety, and promote healthy development. This position is designed to cultivate future healthcare leaders by providing local students with hands-on, patient-facing experience in a premier clinical setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate Supportive Play: Organize and oversee safe, developmentally appropriate group activities in the playrooms, including imaginative play, arts and crafts, and games. Promote healthy connection and socialization among patients.
• Bedside Engagement: Conduct individual bedside visits to provide recreational play activities for patients who are unable to come to the playrooms.
• Environmental Safety & Sanitation: Maintain strict infection control standards by sanitizing toys, play surfaces, and equipment before and after each use.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Gather information from staff about patient needs and share behavioral observations with the appropriate staff members. Assist Certified Child Life Specialists in providing support and direction to volunteers.
• Special Event Support: Assist the Certified Child Life Specialists with the coordination of external visitors and performers, holiday events, and educational programming.
• Administrative Tasks: Monitor use of equipment and availability of supplies, and request additional supplies as needed. Complete daily statistical forms and other administrative tasks as necessary.

Core Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled in undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate coursework. Individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree and are preparing applications for graduate programs are also welcome to apply. Strong preference for majors in Child Life, Nursing, Pre-Med, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or related fields.
• Commitment: Ability to dedicate at least 11 hours per week for one year. Each shift is 4-8 hours, and shifts are available Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:30PM.
• Experience: Prior volunteer or work experience with infants, children, and/or adolescents is required. Applicants must demonstrate experience and/or openness to working with pediatric patients with developmental disabilities, life-threatening illnesses, and/or complex emotional needs.