1st shift- Battle Creek

Bronson Healthcare Group•Battle Creek, MI

27d•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Life Specialist develops, implements, and assesses a comprehensive Child Life Program to promote the developmental well-being of children, adolescents, and their families. The role aims to minimize psychological trauma during medical treatments and maintain normal living patterns. As a member of the healthcare team, the specialist fosters mastery through play, learning, self-expression, family involvement, and peer interaction. The position addresses patients’ psychosocial and developmental needs, supports continuity of care, and coordinates services with the healthcare team. The position is based at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital in Battle Creek and is scheduled for 40 hours per week on first shift. The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, involving multitasking, urgent deadlines, and collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Physical demands include frequent standing and walking, occasional lifting of objects weighing 20 pounds or less, and assisting with lifting and moving patients. Computer or CRT attention may occupy up to 40% of work time and can cause mental or visual fatigue.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, Child Life, or a related field.
Completion of an internship under the supervision of a certified Child Life Specialist.
Eligibility for Professional Child Life Certification upon hire; certification is required within one year of employment.
Proficiency in basic computer skills and familiarity with computerized patient charting systems.
Working knowledge of medical terminology, diagnoses, tests, and procedures relevant to pediatric care.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
Commitment to exceptional customer service and compassionate, responsive care for patients and families.
Ability to assess patient needs and apply critical thinking and problem-solving to provide appropriate interventions.
Proficiency in interviewing, problem-solving, and providing critical support to pediatric patients and their families.
Ability to meet the physical demands of frequent standing and walking, occasional lifting of objects weighing 20 pounds or less, and assisting with lifting and moving patients.

Responsibilities

Design and provide developmentally appropriate experiences that support children’s and adolescents’ cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
Assist with medical and psychosocial preparation for hospitalization and medical procedures so patients and families are informed and prepared.
Create and maintain a playroom and environment that foster healthy play, growth, and development, including interactive materials such as bulletin boards.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to address pediatric and adolescent patients’ psychosocial needs and coordinate comprehensive care.
Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams, tailoring communication to different age groups and backgrounds.
Gather, document, and report relevant information about patients’ developmental and psychosocial status.
Support, guide, and mentor students and volunteers involved in the Child Life Program.
Assess patient needs and provide appropriate interventions and critical support to pediatric patients and their families.
Adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining a positive, supportive attitude.