Child Life Intern

Children’s Minnesota•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

The Child Life Intern participates in an intensive child life internship program under the supervision of a certified child life specialist (CCLS). The role supports children’s continuous development, helps optimize their responses to medical care, minimizes psychological stress and trauma, and promotes coping with illness and health care experiences. Interns work within an interdisciplinary, patient- and family-centered model, collaborating with patients, families, physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, and other health care team members to develop comprehensive plans of care. They develop skills in partnering with families and tailoring interventions to each child’s fears and needs, particularly when children are anxious or coping with stressful circumstances. The internship also includes non-patient-facing department initiatives, such as donation management, special event planning, community engagement, and professional development. The program emphasizes cultural awareness, equity, and diversity, and supports students who reflect the diversity of the patients and families served. Interns complete academic and clinical learning activities and are expected to meet ACLP academic requirements for certification by the end of the clinical internship. Successful interns should be eligible to sit for the ACLP child life certification exam and meet ACLP core competencies.

Requirements

At minimum, meet ACLP academic requirements for certification by the end of the clinical internship.
Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field of study.
Successfully complete 10 college or university courses: a child life course taught by a CCLS; at least two child development courses covering ages birth through 18; a family systems course; a play course; a loss/bereavement or death/dying course; a research course; and three additional courses in related content areas.
Have at least 100 hours of experience working with typically developing children, as well as experience working with children in stressful situations and with health care needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a medical setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete child life assessments and document care.
Provide clinical interventions, including psychological preparation, medical play, procedural support, grief and loss support, new diagnosis education, coping-skills teaching, support with adjustment to acute or chronic diagnoses, family support, and support for adherence to care plans.
Collaborate with patients, families, and interdisciplinary health care team members to develop comprehensive plans of care.
Participate in non-patient-facing department initiatives, including donation management, special event planning, community engagement, and professional development.
Complete required readings and assignments and participate in case study discussions and care conferences.
Attend site visits and school visits.
Engage with interdisciplinary team members and participate in support groups and/or hospital-wide committees.
Provide education to staff and community stakeholders.