Sample interview questions: Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered while working with children and how you resolved it?
Sample answer:
During my tenure as a Child Life Specialist, I encountered a challenging situation involving a young patient named Sarah. Sarah was an eight-year-old girl who had been diagnosed with leukemia. She had been receiving treatment at the hospital for several months and was struggling to cope with her illness and the impact it was having on her life.
One day, Sarah’s parents came to me expressing concerns about her behavior. They explained that she had become withdrawn and irritable, and was refusing to participate in activities or engage with other children. They were worried that she was becoming depressed.
I met with Sarah privately to better understand her perspective. I learned that she was feeling isolated and alone. She missed her friends at school and was worried about whether she would ever be able to return to her normal life. She was also struggling with the side effects of her treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
To help Sarah cope with her challenges, I developed a comprehensive plan that involved a combination of therapeutic interventions and support. I started by establishing a strong rapport with her, building trust and creating a safe space for her to express her feelings. I provided her with age-appropriate information about her illness and treatment, and encouraged her to ask questions and voice her concerns.
To address her social isolation, I arranged for her to participate in group activities with other children who were also undergoing treatment. I also facilitated play therapy sessions, which allowed her to express her emotions and process her experiences through creative … Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/7_0_36/Child%20Life%20Specialist