Child Life Specialist- Pediatrics Clinic- Baton Rouge

Ochsner Health•Baton Rouge, LA

11d

About The Position

The Child Life Specialist serves as an integral clinical member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team, delivering developmentally appropriate, evidence-based psychosocial interventions to pediatric patients and families. The role provides independent therapeutic support to reduce emotional distress, strengthen coping skills, and promote positive healthcare experiences. It collaborates with providers and care teams on patient and family education, procedural preparation, and patient-centered initiatives that enhance clinical outcomes and the overall care environment. The position conducts developmental and psychosocial assessments, creates and delivers therapeutic interventions, supports patients during procedures, educates families, collaborates with care teams, and maintains clinical documentation. It also provides mentorship to Child Life Assistants and interns and participates in committees, quality initiatives, and program development. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, completion of an accredited Child Life Internship, at least one year of relevant experience, and Basic Life Support certification. The work takes place in a healthcare patient-care environment and carries routine exposure risks associated with patient care.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field.
Completion of an accredited Child Life Internship and eligibility to sit for the Child Life Certification examination.
At least 1 year of experience in child life, child and family studies, child development, or a related field.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Proficiency with computers, software, and web-based applications.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to people at varying levels throughout the patient care process.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and courteously with patients, families, multidisciplinary team members, departmental peers, and community agency personnel.
Good organizational skills.
Good time-management skills.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and professional relationships with patients and families.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including potential 24/7, weekend, holiday, and on-call availability, and travel throughout and between facilities.
Ability to meet the role’s medium physical-work demands, including exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
Ability to work in a patient-care environment with routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, communicable diseases, and potential exposure to hazardous medications or waste.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or advanced coursework in pediatric or developmental disciplines.
At least 2 years of clinical experience in a pediatric healthcare setting.
Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential, or ability to obtain it within the designated timeframe.

Responsibilities

Conduct developmental and psychosocial assessments to identify patient and family needs and guide individualized care planning.
Design and implement therapeutic interventions to support coping and emotional expression.
Provide procedural preparation and support to reduce anxiety and trauma associated with medical experiences.
Educate families and caregivers on coping strategies and developmental needs.
Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, and multidisciplinary team members to support coordinated, patient-centered care.
Maintain clinical documentation in accordance with organizational and professional standards.
Provide mentorship and guidance to Child Life Assistants and interns during clinical and program activities.
Participate in interdisciplinary committees, quality initiatives, and program development efforts to enhance patient and family outcomes.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Remain knowledgeable about applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements, and ensure compliance.
Report known or suspected unethical or questionable conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or other compliance-related concerns.