Child Life Specialist, Associate

Hours:  This position primarily works Daylight Hours, Monday through Friday.  1 holiday and 3 Saturdays per year are also required.

Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary withing the Child Life Specialist Career ladder, based on their individual experience and education.

A Child Life Specialist is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate education, preparation and programming which optimizes growth and development of children, supports and maintains normal living patterns and minimizes psychosocial trauma associated with healthcare experiences. They possess a theoretical knowledge base of normal child development and the psychosocial effects of hospitalization and illness on children and families. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide developmentally appropriate preparation, explanations and emotional support for medical procedures, hospitalization and transitions.
• Assess developmental and psychosocial needs, document findings and implement individualized child life care plans.
• Facilitate therapeutic play and activities that promote coping, emotional expression and understanding of healthcare experiences.
• Communicate patient needs and child development considerations to the healthcare team through rounds, documentation and care conferences.
• Support families through bereavement, loss and difficult conversations, and connect them with appropriate services and resources.
• Build rapport with patients and families, orient them to the hospital environment and support healthy family and peer relationships.