Child Life Specialist

Love + medicine is who we are, it's what we do, it's why people want to work here. If you’re looking for a job to love, apply today.

Schedule Weekly Hours:

This is a .9 FTE = 72 hours every 2 weeks. This position is primarily in the hospital with some PM coverage in Emergency Services. Hours are 8:00am - 4:30pm for days and 1:30pm - 10pm for PM's. 1-2 weekends a month.

Job Description:

The Child Life Specialist is responsible to develop and implement services and programs designed to meet the emotional and developmental needs of children and their families. Through the use of therapeutic play, diversional activity and other types of interventions, the Child Life Specialist seeks to reduce the stress associated with health care experiences and enables the children and their families to cope in a positive manner. The Child Life Specialist also provides in-services and programs to other disciplines in the hospital and clinic to enhance their approach and communication skills with children.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Provide developmentally appropriate explanations to the child regarding the sequence, nature, and reasons for procedures and routines. This may include scheduled tours for children to visit prior to their appointment, surgery, or hospitalization.

2. Provide support and comfort during invasive or stressful medical procedures.

3. Provide therapeutic, developmental, and diversional play/activities, as needed, to foster growth and development, normalcy, and enhance skills for coping with medical events.

4. Serve as an advocate to the child and family to ensure care is provided in a safe, comforting, developmentally appropriate, and child friendly manner to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain.

5. Collaborate with medical staff and providers to reach healing goals.

6. Communicate with families about their child's feelings and behaviors within the context of the medical environment and offer guidance and emotional support as appropriate.

7. Communicate psychosocial needs, family strengths, assessments, education, and recommendations to the care team especially through documentation in EPIC. This may include active participation or leadership of care conferences.

8. Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for pediatric patients by purchasing appropriate toys/activities, or other materials to promote a supportive environment for children and teens.

9. Participate directly or consult with patient and family advisory groups as needed.

10. Develop and deliver in-services and programs to other departments/disciplines in our health care system to enhance the care provided to children.

11. Coordinate and supervises volunteers, students, and interns.

12. Show adherence to the budget. If other sources of funding are necessary, child life will elicit assistance from the foundation or engage in grant writing.

13. Deliver outreach and education in community settings. Outreach may include support for family programming or support groups.

14. Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Education and Learning:

REQUIRED

Bachelor's degree in a related field Official approval of courses from the Child Life Council and completed 480-hour child life internship.

DESIRED

Bachelor's degree in Child Life

Work Experience:

REQUIRED 2 years experience in a Pediatric medical setting.

DESIRED 2 years experience as a Child Life Specialist in a Children's Medical Center.

License and Certifications:

REQUIRED Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) within one year of hire date

DESIRED Current Infant-Adult Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (with hands on learning) from one of the following programs; American Heart Association or American Red Cross.

Age Specific Population Served:

Pediatric (1 - 12 years)

Adolescent (13 - 17 years)

OSHA Category: Category I -

All Employees in this job title have a reasonably anticipated risk of occupational exposure to blood and/or other potentially infectious materials.

Environmental Conditions:

Exposed to infectious diseases.

Physical Requirements/Demands Of The Position:

Sitting Continually (67-100% or 8 hours)

Static Standing Continually (67-100% or 8 hours)

Walking/Standing Continually (67-100% or 8 hours)

Stooping/Bending Occasionally (6-33% or 3 hours)

Squatting Occasionally (6-33% or 3 hours)

Kneeling/Half Kneel Occasionally (6-33% or 3 hours)

Climbing Stair Occasionally (6-33% or 3 hours)

Reaching - Shoulder Level Frequently (34-66% or 5.5 hours)

Repetitive Actions - Fine Manipulation Frequently (34-66% or 5.5 hours)

Lifting - Other Occasionally (6-33% or 3 hours)

Push/Pull (Static Force) Occasionally (6-33% or 3 hours)

If you need assistance with any portion of the application or have questions about the position, please contact [email protected] or call 608-775-0267

Equal Opportunity Employer