Child Life Specialist

Under the supervision of the of the Director, the Child Life Specialist is responsible for the planning, organizing, and conducting of Child Life programs for children and their families designed to support the developmental progression of the individual children as well as family during hospitalization.

Clinical Practice and Care Management

• Designs care to support the developmental agenda of the individual child and family based on an assessment of the child's developmental needs, current medical status and the availability of family support.
• Provides recommendations to support the developmental progression of the individual child and family during hospitalization.
• Promotes the maintenance of family bonds through preparation of developmentally appropriate materials to assist parents in dealing effectively with the child's fears and concerns.
• Assess and interacts with patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems and cultural backgrounds.
• Uses developmentally appropriate play as a primary tool in assessing and meeting the childs psychosocial needs in the hospital setting.
• Set up and organize activity areas and provides design input of other patient care areas to promote use, orientation, personalization, and provide comfort and care.
• Maintains and assists others in respecting the privacy and confidentiality of children and families in a constructive informative manner.
• Assists patients in coping with the stress of hospitalization, illness, death, and/or loss.
• Uses developmentally appropriate and medically accurate teaching aids and techniques in a way that increases knowledge and supports emotional needs.
• Determines with the health care team realistic and obtainable goals and objectives for patient learning.
• Communicates effectively and concisely to health care team members integrating child life theory and practice.
• Coordinates special events and holiday activities for the patients and their families.
• Responsible for the general maintenance of Child Life toys, equipment and play areas.

• BS or BA in child life/child development/education/recreation or related therapeutic field.
• Must be able to successfully complete established competencies for the position.
• Certification or eligibility through the Child Life Certifying Commission of the Child Life Council. If only eligible, must obtain certification within one (1) year. 
• CPR for healthcare provider through AHA upon hire