Child Life Specialist - Dialysis / Urology

Children's Nebraska • Omaha, NE

9h • Onsite

About The Position

At Children’s, the region’s only full-service pediatric healthcare center, the organization is dedicated to providing the best care for kids. The role offers opportunities for career growth and professional development in an environment of excellence and inclusion, where team members are supported and valued. Children's is committed to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. The Child Life Specialist provides a therapeutic, educational, and recreational program for patients, planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities that promote normal growth and development. This role also supports the psycho-social needs of patients and their families throughout their testing, treatment, or hospitalization. Hours are in keeping with typical patient needs in the assigned area, as approved by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field
• Successful completion of an internship which meets the standards set by the Association of Child Life Specialists
• Clinical internship is a minimum of 600 hours under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.
• Experience with healthy children and hospitalized children generally acquired through field experience and a Child Life internship which meets the standards set by the Association of Child Life Professionals
• Possesses interpersonal skills which enable the individual to establish professional rapport with patients and families, and possesses assertive skills necessary to advocate effectively for patients and families.
• CCLS - Certified Child Life Specialist within two years of hire date
• BCLS - Basic Life Support through the American Heart Association within 180 Days

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in a hospital setting as a Child Life Specialist

Responsibilities

• Provides preparation and support to patients undergoing medical procedures and treatments through pre-procedural teaching and assesses coping skills and adjustment to hospitalization, surgery and/or chronic illness on a daily basis.
• Uses formal and informal assessment techniques to accurately determine patient’s developmental and emotional states.
• Uses developmentally appropriate and medically accurate teaching aids and techniques to increase knowledge and support emotional needs.
• Advocates for the needs of patients and families by communicating important information with the appropriate health care professionals.
• Writes concise, objective, and accurate clinical notes, documenting pertinent information in a timely manner.
• Facilitates interaction with patients, siblings, and parents.
• Recognizes and addresses the importance of therapeutic play in facilitating child’s mastery of and coping with the health care experience.
• Incorporates family’s involvement into their child’s care, identifies family needs and views.
• Communicates with patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems and cultural background.
• Actively advocates patient needs to medical team members and ancillary services. Seeks appropriate/alternative approaches to care which may minimize the impact of the healthcare experience.
• Communicates concisely with other professionals, integrating theory and evidence based practice to obtain and share pertinent information.
• Demonstrates respect for the viewpoints of other professionals.
• Coordinates child life services with families and professionals.
• Promotes child life within own department/area using creative ways and approaches with staff and families.
• Coordinates and participates in educational programs that explain Child Life Services.
• Actively participates in the New Employee Orientation of new hires.
• Coordinates school re-entry programs or support groups as needed.
• Actively involved in providing a safe learning environment for our intern and practicum students.
• Participates in the volunteer program and assists in modifying the process as needed.
• Coordinates outreach programs, pre-op preparation education and/or support groups.
• Recognizes verbal and nonverbal cues and adapts teaching accordingly.
• Assesses knowledge, misconceptions, previous experiences and unique socio- cultural learning needs.
• Provides educational information to various groups within the hospital and community when relevant.
• Maintains play area in a safe, orderly, and child friendly condition and ensures that toys are appropriately cleaned and kept in good condition.
• Follows Infection Control and safety procedures and policies.
• Maintains playroom in a safe and orderly manner.
• Toys are maintained and cleaned using an approved cleaner.
• Assures availability of toys for various age ranges and developmental levels.
• Maintains current knowledge regarding development, trends, and techniques in Child Life.
• Incorporates Child Life trends and best practices into care delivery.
• Identifies resources and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

• Opportunities for career growth
• Professional development
• Environment of excellence and inclusion
• Team members are supported and deeply valued

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level