Child Life Specialist-AdaptCare

Child Life Specialist

Successful completion of an internship which meets the standards set by the Association of Child Life Professionals required. For information on internships visit:

$2,000 Hiring Bonus + Relocation offered

Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00-4:00 (flexible)

At Children's, the region's only full-service pediatric healthcare center, our people make us the very best for kids. Come cultivate your passion, purpose and professional development in an environment of excellence and inclusion, where team members are supported and deeply valued. Opportunities for career growth abound as we grow our services and spaces, including the cutting-edge Hubbard Center for Children. Join our highly engaged, caring teamand join us in providing brighter, healthier tomorrows for the children we serve. Children's is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer including veterans and people with disabilities.

A Brief Overview

The Child Life Specialists on the Adaptive Care Team focus on patients coming through the Organization that need or have an Adaptive Care Plan. They provide a therapeutic, educational and recreational program for patients. Plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities which promote normal growth and development, and support the psychosocial needs of the patient and their families throughout the course of their testing/treatment or hospitalization. Hours in keeping with typical patient need in assigned area as approved by supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Provides preparation and support to patients undergoing medical procedures and treatments through pre-procedural teaching and assesses coping skills and adjustment to hospitalization, surgery and/or chronic illness on a daily basis.
• Uses formal and informal assessment techniques to accurately determine patient's developmental and emotional states.
• Uses developmentally appropriate and medically accurate teaching aids and techniques to increase knowledge and support emotional needs.
• Advocates for the needs of patients and families by communicating important information with the appropriate health care professionals.
• Writes concise, objective, and accurate clinical notes, documenting pertinent information.
• Assess, plans, and implements referrals for Adaptive Care Plans for patients identified within the ACT requirements.
• Facilitates Adaptive Care Plan preparation, distraction, education, and support to ACT patients in their identified areas.
• Provides ongoing support to all CCLS on Psychosocial Risk Assessment in Pediatrics (PRAP) Adaptive Care Plans and implementation.
• Serves as a resource within the Organization's healthcare system continuously educating and working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.

• Facilitates interaction with patients, siblings, and parents.
• Recognizes and addresses the importance of therapeutic play in facilitating child's mastery of and coping with the health care experience.
• Incorporates family's involvement into their child's care, identifies family needs and views.
• Communicates with patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems and cultural background.

• Actively advocates patient needs to medical team members and ancillary services. Seeks appropriate/alternative approaches to care which may minimize the impact of the healthcare experience.
• Communicates concisely with other professionals, integrating theory and evidence based practice to obtain and share pertinent information.
• Demonstrates respect for the viewpoints of other professionals.
• Coordinates child life services with families and professionals.
• Promotes child life within own department/area using creative ways and approaches with staff and families.

• Coordinates and participates in educational programs that explain Child Life Services.
• Actively participates in the General orientation of CHS new hires.
• Coordinates school re-entry programs or support groups as needed.
• Actively involved in providing a safe learning environment for our intern and practicum students.
• Participates in the volunteer program and assists in modifying the process as needed.

• Facilitates outreach programs, pre-op preparation education and/or support groups.
• Recognizes verbal and nonverbal cues and adapts teaching accordingly.
• Assesses knowledge, misconceptions, previous experiences and unique socio-cultural learning needs.
• Provides educational information to various groups within the hospital and community when relevant.

• Maintains play area in a safe, orderly, and child friendly condition and ensures that toys are appropriately cleaned and kept in good condition.
• Follows Infection Control and safety procedures and policies.
• Maintains playroom in a safe and orderly manner.
• Toys are maintained and cleaned using appropriate cleaning materials.
• Assures availability of toys for various age ranges and developmental levels.

• Maintains current knowledge regarding development, trends, and techniques in Child Life.
• Incorporates Child Life trends and best practices into care delivery.
• Identifies resources and opportunities for professional development.

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field required
• Master's degree Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• Successful completion of an internship which meets the standards set by the Association of Child Life Professionals required
• Previous experience working in a hospital setting as a Child Life Specialist Preferred and
• Previous experience working with neurodivergent children Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Requires experience with healthy and hospitalized children generally acquired through experience and/or a child life internship
• Possess interpersonal skills which enable the individual to establish rapport with patients and families and advocate for their needs

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Child Life Specialist within 2 years required
• Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association within 180 Days required

Children's is the very best for kids and the very best for your career! At Children's, we put YOU first so together, we can improve the life of every child!

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