Child Life Specialist - Full Time - Sioux Falls

Sanford Health•Sioux Falls, SD

8d•$24 - $33•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. The Child-Centered Environment at Sanford Children's Castle of Care provides a vibrant, colorful world where sick and injured children find inspiration, imagination, and play. This unique and welcoming environment contributes to the emotional well-being and healing of pediatric patients. You'll be part of a cohesive and diverse Multidisciplinary Team that includes nurses, child life specialists, pharmacists, social workers, chaplains, dietitians, respiratory care professionals, chaplains, dietitians, respiratory care professionals, therapists, and school teachers. Collaborative teamwork ensures the best possible care for young patients. By joining the Sanford Children's team, you'll be making a significant Community Impact on your community's health and the well-being of children and families. Your work will truly make a difference in the lives of young patients.

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

Develop, coordinate and implement the delivery of developmentally appropriate play activities, expressive arts, and special events for pediatric patients and their families within the health care setting, both at the bedside and in playroom settings.
Serves as the child's advocate when collaborating with the healthcare team to determine suitable therapeutic interventions.
Utilizes 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.
Promotes family-centered care and facilitates the strengthening of positive coping and resiliency skills within the healthcare setting.
Provides ongoing assessment of interventions used.
Provides oversight and direction for utilization of volunteers in Child Life department.
Possesses expert knowledge of medical diagnosis and procedures.
Understands special needs of children with chronic or disabling conditions, with expertise in the use of play activities in a health care environment and in-depth knowledge of research regarding children in health care settings.