Child Life Specialist Cardiology

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

7d

About The Position

Full-time Certified Child Life Specialist to serve pediatric cardiology inpatient population, including Cardiac ICU and Cardiac Step-Down. This is a great opportunity to work in a U.S, News and World Report #1 rated children's hospital in South Carolina and #4 ranked pediatric cardiology program. The Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) serves as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team within the nationally ranked, #4 Children’s Hospital Cardiac Unit. This specialist provides evidence-based, developmentally appropriate psychosocial care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with congenital or acquired cardiac conditions. The role focuses on supporting patients and families through extensive hospitalizations, complex procedures, and long-term care experiences, including those awaiting and recovering from heart transplant.

Requirements

• Child Life Degree required.
• Child Life Certification required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's preferred or Bachelor's Degree with 2 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Psychosocial Support: Conduct individualized assessments and implement therapeutic interventions that promote coping, and resilience, while minimizing Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress.
• Preparation and Procedural Support: Prepare patients and families for medical procedures, surgeries, and cardiac interventions using age-appropriate education, medical play, and coping strategies.
• Therapeutic Play: Facilitate developmentally supportive play, creative expression, open-ended play and socialization opportunities to foster emotional well-being and maintain a sense of normalcy.
• Family-Centered Care: Provide emotional support, education, and advocacy for families, including siblings, addressing the stress and uncertainty associated with chronic cardiac illness and transplant journeys.
• Collaboration and Team Integration: Participate in multidisciplinary rounds, projects and care conferences with physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologist, and Arts and Healing Team.
• Education and Mentorship: Educate staff, students, and volunteers on child life practices, developmental needs, and trauma-informed care for cardiac patients.
• Program Development: Contribute to ongoing program growth and quality improvement initiatives within the pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery service lines.
• Child Life Team Involvement: Work closely with child life peers on team projects, education, events and donations. Attend and contribute to staff meetings, clinical discussions and team focused programming.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees