Child & Adolescent Life Specialist - 8:30AM - 5:00PM Mon - Fri w/Occasional Holidays & Weekends

Pediatric Child Life Specialist

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Health hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

*****RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROVIDED*****

Generous PTO of up to 35 days per year

Location: Duke Hospital (Inpatient) Durham, North Carolina Department of Pediatrics Occasional Weekends and Holidays

General Description of the Job Class

Provide a variety of interventions for pediatric patients and families to promote coping skills, emotional health, and optimal development in the hospital setting.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

• Assess the emotional and medical needs of assigned patients and families to determine the support needed during the medical experience. Formulate a plan of interaction based on the assessment of patient and family and present plan to team members at psychosocial rounds and team meetings. Document all interactions in medical record charts. Provide play/recreational activities for assigned patients consistent with developmental needs in order to normalize the environment and facilitate assessments.
• Utilize developmentally appropriate methods for preparing children and families for diagnostic, treatment, and surgical procedures to optimize patients' understanding of their experience as well as their coping.
• Participate in activities to support family-centered and comprehensive care. Maintain ongoing communication with physicians, nurses, unit and clinical staff in order to ensure a coordinated approach to patient care. Address and attempt to limit the disruptive effects of illness, clinic visits, and hospitalization.
• Provide in-service training to students, other staff, and professional groups in order to improve the practice of family-centered, developmentally-appropriate, and psychosocially-sound health care.
• Participate in programs for professional training and development; in order to enhance job performance. Perform other administrative and related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Bachelor's Degree in Child Life, Counseling, Special Education, Recreation Therapy, or directly related field. Due to professional exemption, equivalent experience cannot be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Experience One year of experience working with hospitalized children as a Certified Child Life Specialist is preferred.

Additional Manager Preferences

• Completed an internship under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist
• Graduated with a bachelor's degree in: Child Development, Family Studies, Healthcare Consumer Sciences, or another related field of study
• Obtain a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) within 6 months of hire.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

A certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is required within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Interviewing Skills

Work independently with minimal supervision

Strong interpersonal skills

Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level

Ability to work independently and proactively

Team-oriented and flexible attitude

Strong interpersonal and communication skills