Child Life Specialist - Emergency Department

Careers With PurposeSanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland.Facility: Sanford Med Ctr FargoLocation: Fargo, NDShift: 8 Hours - Day ShiftsJob Schedule: Full timeWeekly Hours: 40.00Salary Range: $23.00 - $34.50Pay Info: $5,000 Sign-On bonus with a commitment!Job SummaryFocus on helping children and families cope with medical experiences in an outpatient environment. Provide emotional support, education and coping strategies to pediatric patients and their families during medical visits, procedures and ongoing treatment plans. Help children and families cope with the anxiety, fear or stress related to medical visits, procedures or diagnoses. Utilize 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. Prepare children for exams and procedures using developmentally appropriate explanations while supporting families by explaining medical processes, offering guidance and advocating for the child's emotional and developmental needs within the healthcare team. Understands special needs of children with chronic or disabling conditions, with expertise in the use of play activities in a healthcare environment. Normalize the medical environment through familiar, child-friendly interactions using distraction techniques during procedures and medical visits. Work closely with physicians, nurses, social workers and other healthcare staff, communicating patient needs and coping plans to the care team.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development, or related field required. Completion of 600 hour Child Life internship required. Minimum two years experience working with various age groups of children is preferred. Experience working with pediatric population in a therapeutic setting desired. 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.BenefitsSanford offers an attractive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees. Depending on eligibility, a variety of benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, work/life balance benefits, and a generous time off package to maintain a healthy home-work balance.