Full-time, 40 hours/week

8am-5pm

Hybrid

Summary:

The Director of Child Life & Expressive Therapy is responsible for overseeing the Child Life and Expressive Therapy Services department. The director will oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of expressive therapy programs at Akron Children’s. The successful candidate will lead a team of child life specialist and therapists, collaborating with medical staff and ensuring the provision of high-quality, developmentally appropriate support and services to pediatric patients and their families. This role involves strategic planning, program development, staff management, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to promote a positive hospital experience for children.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive Child Life and Expressive Therapy programs that meet the psychosocial, emotional, and developmental needs of pediatric patients.
  
• Provides ongoing professional development opportunities for staff while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
  
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and standards for therapeutic services.
  
• Ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
  
• Ensure adherence to best practices and standards set by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to integrate therapeutic services into patient care.
  
• Advocate for the emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families and ensuring programs are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and tailored to the diverse needs of the hospital’s patient population.

• Work closely with medical, nursing, and allied health professionals to integrate Child Life services into patient care plans.
  
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools and other health care providers.
  
• Represent the hospital at professional conferences, workshops, and community events.
  
• Collaborate with hospital and foundation to secure funding and resources for programs.
  
• Promote awareness and understanding of Child Life and Expressive Therapy within the hospital and broader community.

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate Child Life Specialists, Child Life Assistants, therapists and other department staff.
  
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development.
  
• Participate in hospital committees and initiatives as assigned.
  
• Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
  
• Prepare reports, maintain records, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  
• Secure funding through grants, donations, and partnerships to enhance program offerings.
  

• Implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.
  
• Conduct program evaluations and use data to drive decision-making and program enhancements.
  

Other information:

Technical Expertise

1. Strong knowledge of child development principles, therapeutic play, and family centered care.

2. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

3. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paces, multidisciplinary healthcare environment.

4. Experience in budget management, program development, and staff supervision.

Education and Experience

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree in child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

2. Licensure:  None.

3. Certification: Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential preferred.

4. Years of relevant experience: Minimum of 7 years Child life or expressive therapy experience required.

5. Years of supervisory experience: Minimum of 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role. Child Life or Expressive Therapy supervisor experience preferred.

Full Time

FTE: 1.000000

Status: Fixed Hybrid