Child Life Specialist

Sanford Health•Fargo, ND

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Focus on helping children and families cope with medical experiences in an outpatient environment. Provide emotional support, education and coping strategies to pediatric patients and their families during medical visits, procedures and ongoing treatment plans.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development, or related field required.
Completion of Child Life internship required.
Certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is required or must be obtained within one year of hire.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Minimum two years experience working with various age groups of children is preferred.
Experience working with pediatric population in a therapeutic setting desired.

Responsibilities

Help children and families cope with the anxiety, fear or stress related to medical visits, procedures or diagnoses.
Utilize expert knowledge of child development, family systems theories and the developmental effects of stress and trauma on children to establish appropriate interventions to alleviate distress.
Prepare children for exams and procedures using developmentally appropriate explanations while supporting families by explaining medical processes, offering guidance and advocating for the child's emotional and developmental needs within the healthcare team.
Understand the special needs of children with chronic or disabling conditions, with expertise in the use of play activities in a healthcare environment.
Normalize the clinic environment through familiar, child-friendly interactions using distraction techniques during procedures and medical visits.
Work closely with physicians, nurses, social workers and other healthcare staff, communicating patient needs and coping plans to the care team.