Child Life Specialist - Inpatient/PICU
About The Position
Join Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world class and caregivers are family. Here, you will work alongside a passionate and dedicated team, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world. As a Child Life Specialist, you will function as a member of the healthcare team and support pediatric and adult patients, as well as their family members, in adjusting to healthcare experiences, illness, injury and loss across critical care, acute and ambulatory healthcare settings. Using a strengths-based approach, you will assess developmental, psychosocial, emotional and cultural needs while providing developmentally appropriate education related to medical procedures and diagnoses, non-pharmacological pain management, therapeutic play and emotional and bereavement support for patients and families. With support from Child Life peers, you will orient and train Child Life students and volunteers, provide interdisciplinary education related to the psychosocial and developmental needs of patients and families, and participate in patient-related programming and events. A caregiver in this role works day/evening/night/weekend| 7:00am - 3:30pm or 8:30am - 5:00pm.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Child Life or child development related field
- Must have completed an approved Child Life Internship, at least 600 hours, directed by a Certified Child Life Specialist
- Child life specialists must have or earn professional certification (CCLS) through the Child Life Council within a year of appointment and maintain certification throughout their employment
- Must sit for exam at least annually until certification obtained
- An extension may be granted by Child Life Manager under appropriate circumstances
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross within one year of hire
Nice To Haves
- Two years and 4000 hours of professional Child Life clinical experience in a hospital setting
Responsibilities
- Assess the developmental, social, and physical needs of an assigned pediatric population and provide appropriate interventions, such as preparations and therapeutic play.
- Assess and document patient's developmental level, emotional state, utilizes hospitalization and procedures using informal assessment techniques throughout the hospital stay.
- Provide education, preparation, and therapeutic intervention for medical events to help children and families cope based on developmental and emotional level.
- Assist patients and families with relaxation techniques to decrease stress, increase coping skills, and cooperation during tests and procedures.
- Provide diversional activities in the playroom/activity room and bedside based on individual capabilities and needs.
- Provide education and information to enhance parental understanding of hospital systems and resources.
- Participate in psychosocial, interdisciplinary, and/or departmental team meetings and communicates developmental and psychosocial needs of children.
- Organize and manage dedicated events, special guests, support groups and other regularly scheduled events.
- Participate in the orientation, direction, and development of Children's Hospital volunteers.
- Supervise Practicum/Internship students as a Certified Child Life Specialist.
- Manage play materials, supplies, and equipment for playrooms by assuming responsibility for its cleanliness and storage; maintains inventory of both donated and purchased goods.
- Represent the Child Life program in appropriate Children Hospital's committees.
Benefits
- The policy of Cleveland Clinic Health System and its system hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Health System) is to provide equal opportunity to all of our caregivers and applicants for employment in our drug free environment.
- All offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substances.
- Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program.
- You will be required to comply with this program, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination on an annual basis or obtaining an approved exemption.
- Decisions concerning employment, transfers and promotions are made upon the basis of the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran or any other characteristic protected by law.
- Information provided on this application may be shared with any Cleveland Clinic Health System facility.
- If applying for a Florida position, please see the following website for more information on the background screening requirements required by the Agency of Health Care Administration: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
- Please review the Equal Employment Opportunity poster.
- Cleveland Clinic is pleased to be an equal employment opportunity employer.
- We know that fully supporting our caregivers is what creates the best outcomes for our patients.
- Our outstanding, comprehensive offerings are an investment in your health, well-being and future.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
