Specialist, Child Life

Job Summary

To provide children with age-appropriate preparation for medical procedures, pain management and coping strategies, and play and self-expression activities and to provide information, support, and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provides appropriate play activities for the ambulatory pediatric patient which assists in coping with their illness.
• Assists children in the development of coping strategies through play, recreation, and art.
• In conjunction with other health care team members, identifies current patient needs and develops care plan goals.
• Develops and implements in-service training to staff in the field of child life.
• Collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, social workers, and other representatives from pediatric disciplines.
• Ease a childs fear and anxiety with therapeutic and recreational play activities.
• Foster an environment that incorporates emotional support and fosters coping during treatment and procedures.
• Introduce distraction and interactive objects within the clinic.
• Encourage understanding and cooperation by providing non-medical preparation and support for children undergoing tests, surgeries, and other medical procedures.
• Advocate for family-centered care.
• Engage and energize children and families by coordinating special events, entertainment, and activities.
• Consider the needs of siblings or other children who may also be affected by a childs illness or trauma.
• Direct pre-admission hospital tours and resources, and consultations with outpatient families.
• Support families confronting grief and bereavement issues.
• Provide information and resources for parents and members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Performs other related duties as directed.

Basic Qualifications

Experience

• 480 hours in a child life internship, fellowship or paid clinical child life work experience is required.

Education

• Bachelors degree in child life or related field such as child and family studies, psychology, child development, recreational therapy and early childhood education is required.

License, Certification, Registration

• Child Life Specialist Certificate within 12 months of hire
• Basic Life Support

Additional Requirements

• N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in child life or related field such as child and family studies, psychology, child development, recreational therapy and early childhood education preferred.