Child Life Specialist- Fargo- Weekends

Sanford Health•Fargo, ND

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development, or related field required.
Completion of 600 hour hospital Child Life internship required prior to hire.
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

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.