Child Life Specialist - Childrens Hospital

Saint Francis Health System

35d • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Life Specialist, as a member of the total health care team, assumes responsibility for planning, implementing/evaluating programs designed to meet the (non-medical) specialized needs of hospitalized children and their families. This role involves assessing the individual needs of children/families to plan developmentally and therapeutically appropriate activities, documenting assessments and progress, orienting volunteers, participating in marketing and community outreach, and supporting research and evidence-based practice. The specialist is expected to maintain educational and clinical expertise through continuous learning and networking.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in child life, child development, or related field.
• Completed a 480-hour child life internship or fellowship.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or must complete certification requirement within 1 year of employment.
• 0 - 1 year experience in child development.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preparation in child life studies preferred.
• Experience in healthcare setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assesses the individual needs of children/families to plan developmentally and therapeutically appropriate activities/direct those activities making changes as indicated to facilitate coping with the hospital environment.
• Document the child life assessment, observations, and recommendations for the plan of care and progress notes in the medical record.
• Orient/supervise volunteers in their role in providing ongoing play and developmental activities in the department.
• Participate in marketing, public relations, and community-based activity related to children's health.
• Support research and implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Maintain educational and clinical expertise by reviewing professional materials/literature, attending conferences/workshops, and networking with other child life programs to stay abreast of current trends in child life services.

What This Job Offers

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