Hiring
Once a position is funded, the challenge is to identify exceptional candidates for roles that may be unprecedented at your hospital. This information will help your facility create a thoughtful approach to crafting job descriptions, conducting interviews, and seamless onboarding can ensure success in integrating new team members with your existing Child Life team.
Job Descriptions
When creating a job description, consider the following:
- Clearly outline the responsibilities and expectations of the role.
- Emphasize the unique aspects of the position within the hospital setting.
- Highlight the importance of a candidate's gaming knowledge and passion for sharing it.
- Specify the preference for face-to-face interaction and stories of interpersonal connections.
- Prioritize experience working with children/teens, including regular interactions with parents/guardians.
- Seek candidates with a track record of designing youth programs or curriculum.
- Assess their ability to cope with stress and emotions associated with Pediatric care.
Gaming and Technology Specialist Job Description Examples
Interviewing
Things to keep in mind when interviewing for these new positions
- Work with Kids and Technology:
- Share experiences of working with kids and technology.
- Describe any encounters with VR/AR.
- Experience in Distress Situations:
- Narrate an experience dealing with a child in distress.
- Probe their experience in a hospital clinical environment.
- Gaming Knowledge and Events:
- List games played in the last month.
- Discuss attendance at gaming events.
- Tech Support and Non-Digital Games:
- Detail roles as primary tech support for a group.
- Explore non-digital games they engage in.
- Connecting Through Games:
- Share a story of using games to connect with a friend, student, or group.
- Creativity and Application:
- Discuss where they find creativity and how they apply it.
Sample Interview Questions
- Tell us about how you have worked with kids and technology?
- What experience do you have with VR\AR?
- Can you describe an experience you have had working with a child in distress?
- What experience have you had in a hospital clinical environment?
- What are some games you have played in the last month?
- Describe any roles where you were the primary tech support person for a group.
- What gaming events have they attended?
- What kinds of non-digital games do they play?
- Tell us about a time games helped you connect with a new friend, student or group of friends.
- How or where do you find creativity in your life? Where do you apply it?
Orientation
Once a new employee joins, the onboarding process is crucial for seamless integration:
- Follow the hospital's standard onboarding process.
- Facilitate shadowing of Child Life staff in various areas for a comprehensive understanding.
- If new to healthcare, treat them like an intern or student, covering relevant topics.
- Encourage connections with other Patient Gaming & Technology Specialists for peer support.
By focusing on tailored job descriptions, insightful interviews, and a comprehensive onboarding process, you can ensure that the newly hired candidates seamlessly integrate into your Child Life team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.