Child Life Specialist
About The Position
Provide psychosocial support, education, preparation, and therapeutic interventions for pediatric patients and families throughout the surgical and medical experience. The Child Life Specialist collaborates with the perioperative team to reduce anxiety, promote positive coping, and enhance patient- and family-centered care in preoperative, operative, and recovery settings. The role assesses developmental, emotional, psychosocial, and coping needs of pediatric patients and families undergoing surgical and medical procedures. It applies evidence-based child life practices to reduce stress and anxiety associated with surgery, anesthesia, procedures, and hospitalization. The position promotes family-centered care and helps strengthen positive coping and resiliency skills within the healthcare setting. It requires expert knowledge of medical diagnoses and procedures, understanding of the special needs of children with chronic or disabling conditions, expertise in using play activities in a healthcare environment, and in-depth knowledge of research regarding children in healthcare settings.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development, or a related field.
- Completion of a Child Life internship.
- Certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS), or obtain certification within one year of hire.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within six months of hire.
Nice To Haves
- Minimum of two years of experience working with various age groups of children is preferred.
- Experience working with the pediatric population in a therapeutic setting is desired.
Responsibilities
- Assess the developmental, emotional, psychosocial, and coping needs of pediatric patients and families undergoing surgical and medical procedures.
- Provide psychosocial support, education, preparation, and therapeutic interventions for pediatric patients and families.
- Use evidence-based child life practices to reduce stress and anxiety associated with surgery, anesthesia, procedures, and hospitalization.
- Collaborate with the perioperative team to reduce anxiety, promote positive coping, and enhance patient- and family-centered care in preoperative, operative, and recovery settings.
- Promote family-centered care and facilitate positive coping and resiliency skills in the healthcare setting.
- Use play activities to support children in the healthcare environment.
Benefits
- $5,000 sign-on bonus with a commitment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
