Child Life Specialist - Children of Adult Patients

Mayo Clinic • Rochester, MN

82d

About The Position

The Child Life Specialist promotes effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. Provides emotional support for families and encourages optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization. Provides information, support and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members. Plays a vital role in educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the needs of children under stress.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in child development, child life, child and family studies or related field.
• Completion of eligibility assessment by the Association for Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
• Successful completion of a minimum 480-hour clinical child life internship under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.
• One year of recent work experience with children and families, preferably as a Child Life Specialist.
• Knowledge of infant/child/adolescent development and behavior.
• Analytical skills to assess patient and family needs and establish a plan of care.
• Ability to represent and communicate the role of child life to others.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively across clinical settings.
• Ability to work as a contributing member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Technical skills for professional documentation and correspondence.
• Basic supervisory skills to oversee Child Life program volunteers.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or acceptance to take the next scheduled exam with certification within the first year of employment.
• Current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers certification from recognized programs.

Responsibilities

• Promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities.
• Provide emotional support for families of children facing healthcare challenges.
• Encourage optimum development of children during hospitalization.
• Provide information, support, and guidance to parents and family members.
• Educate caregivers, administrators, and the public about children's needs under stress.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree