Child Life Specialist-Full-Time

Erlanger Health System • Chattanooga, TN

149d

About The Position

The Certified Child Life Specialist employed by Erlanger is responsible for planning and providing therapeutic activities and appropriate psychosocial/developmental care for pediatric and adolescent patients and families to minimize stress/anxiety and maximize positive coping throughout the healthcare experience in cooperation with the multidisciplinary team. The Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) at Children's Hospital at Erlanger provides expert psychosocial support to pediatric patients and their families, enhancing the overall quality of care. This role involves conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments, delivering emotional and developmental support, facilitating therapeutic medical play, and advocating for patient and family needs within the healthcare system. The CCLS collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to improve patient and family experiences and communicates relevant observations to ensure coordinated care.

Requirements

• BS, BA in Child Life, Child Development or related field.
• Internship and/or work experience in a hospital setting focusing on the psychosocial needs of hospitalized children and their families.
• Child Life Certification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients and families to identify strengths, concerns, and needs.
• Develop and implement individualized short-term and long-term goals based on assessment findings.
• Provide emotional, social, and developmental support to patients and families throughout illness, injury, end-of-life, and bereavement.
• Enhance the quality of care by addressing psychosocial challenges related to medical conditions.
• Facilitate medical play and preparation sessions to help patients and families understand medical procedures and develop effective coping strategies.
• Use play as a therapeutic tool to reduce anxiety and improve the medical experience.
• Identify and advocate for the needs of patients and families within the healthcare system.
• Regularly reassess the effectiveness of interventions and adjust strategies as needed to meet evolving needs.
• Provide activities tailored to the age and developmental stage of patients to support cognitive and emotional growth.
• Ensure that activities are engaging and therapeutic, promoting positive outcomes.
• Function as a proactive and effective member of the multidisciplinary team.
• Share relevant observations and insights about patients with other healthcare professionals to facilitate coordinated and comprehensive care.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees