Child Life Specialist (0.6 FTE) - Emergency Department

Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. The comprehensive healthcare system includes a 473-bed academic medical center, a large outpatient Clinic & Specialty Center, and a network of clinics in the North Loop, Whittier, and East Lake Street neighborhoods of Minneapolis, and in the suburban communities of Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and St. Anthony Village. Hennepin Healthcare has a large psychiatric program, home care, and operates a research institute, philanthropic foundation, and Hennepin EMS. The system is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County.

Equal Employment Opportunities: We believe equity is essential for optimal health outcomes and are committed to achieve optimal health for all by actively eliminating barriers due to racism, poverty, gender identity, and other determinants of health. We are committed to equitable care and working in an environment that celebrates, promotes, and protects diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to bringing in individuals with new cultural perspectives to assist in creating a more equitable healthcare organization.

JOB DETAILS

Department: Emergency Department

FTE: 0.6 (48 hours per pay period)

Workdays: Monday - Friday, Every Third Weekend Rotation

Shift(s): Days/Evenings

Shift Length: 12 hours

Location: In-Person

Other: Bilingual, Multilingual helpful but not required

Purpose of this position: Plans, implements and evaluates programs to promote pediatric patients effective coping with health care encounters through play, preparation, education and self-expressive activities. Serves as educator and advocate to other professionals on the psychosocial needs of children and families. Promotes a philosophy of family centered care within the hospital.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess the effects of illness and hospitalization on the coping abilities of pediatric patients and their families
• Collaborate with the health care team to develop a plan of care to promote coping and adaptation that meets the individual needs of the hospitalized child
• Provide opportunities for normal play activities based on the assessed developmental and physical capabilities needs of the hospitalized child
• Provide developmentally appropriate preparation for planned medical procedures and interventions
• Utilize medical and healthcare play for education and coping
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families during stressful experiences
• Utilize stress reduction techniques to facilitate coping
• Advocate for children and family’s needs within the hospital
• Respond to consults with other health team members on patient and family needs
• Document child life activities and interventions
• Order and maintain supplies and equipment and participate in securing and managing budget and resources
• Plan and coordinate special events, programs and guests
• Train and supervise child life volunteers
• Provide in-service and educational presentations as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or Master's degree) in child life or related field
• Completed or in-progress 600+ hour child life internship supervised by a Certified Child Life Specialist

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

• Ability to assess the developmental status of a child
• Ability to identify coping abilities of the child and family
• Ability to develop and present developmentally appropriate coping interventions to staff who interact with pediatric patients
• Ability to advocate on behalf of a child in the treatment setting in order to maximize coping abilities
• Ability to interact with children and their families in a therapeutic manner
• Ability to use an electronic health record
• Ability to manage time and prioritize patient intervention needs
• Ability to plan, coordinate and manage day to day Child Life Program operations

License/Certifications

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) issued by the Child Life Council completed within 12 months of hire or transfer date

You've made the right choice in considering Hennepin Healthcare for your employment. We offer a wealth of opportunities for individuals who want to make an impact in our patients' lives. We are dedicated to providing Equal Employment Opportunities to both current and prospective employees. We are driven to connect talented individuals with life-changing career opportunities, enabling you to provide exceptional care without exception. Thank you for considering Hennepin Healthcare as a future employer.

Please Note: Offers of employment from Hennepin Healthcare are conditional and contingent upon successful clearance of all background checks and pre-employment requirements.

Total Rewards Package

• We offer a competitive pay rate based on your skills, licensure/certifications, education, experience related to this position, and internal equity.
• We provide an extensive benefits program that includes Medical; Dental; Vision; Life, Short and Long-term Term Disability Insurance; Retirement Funds; Paid Time Off; and Tuition reimbursement.
• For a complete list of our benefits, please visit our career site on why you should work for us.