Child Life Specialist- Pediatrics Clinic- Baton Rouge

Ochsner Clinic Foundation•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

The Child Life Specialist serves as an integral clinical member of a 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. The specialist 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, plans and implements individualized therapeutic interventions, supports patients during procedures, and educates caregivers about coping strategies and developmental needs. It also includes clinical documentation, mentorship of Child Life Assistants and interns, and participation in committees, quality initiatives, and program development. The role requires maintaining compliance with applicable laws, accreditation standards, organizational policies, and professional standards. Work takes place in a patient-care healthcare environment, with routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, communicable diseases, and potential hazardous medications or waste. The role involves medium physical work and may require travel between facilities and a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and on-call availability.

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 using computers, software, and web-based applications.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and professionally to individuals at varying levels throughout the patient care process.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and courteously with patients, families, multidisciplinary team members, departmental peers, and community agency personnel.
Good organizational and time management skills.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and professional relationships with patients and families.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including possible 24/7, weekend, holiday, and on-call availability, and to travel throughout and between facilities.

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 that 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 to enhance patient and family outcomes.
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 concerns.
Perform other related duties as assigned.