Child Life Specialist

Overview

At Legacy, we are committed to making life better for others, and we recognize that entails every aspect of a person’s well-being. As a child life specialist, you provide compassionate care to promote hope and healing. Your skills in therapeutic play and concern for others will help to promote the emotional and mental well-being of our pediatric patients.

Responsibilities

The Child Life Specialist works with pediatric and adolescent patients and families to address the psychosocial and emotional concerns associated with hospitalization, illness, injury, and loss. The Child Life Specialist assesses the emotional and developmental needs of the patient, and promotes effective coping strategies through play, procedure preparation, support, education, self-expression activities, and other evidence-based therapeutic interventions. The Child Life Specialist provides information, support, and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members. The Child Life Specialist collaborates with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to advocate for and ensure that developmentally appropriate, emotionally safe, family-centered care is provided to patients and families. In addition, the Child Life Specialist takes an active role in obtaining and maintaining donations, resources, and spaces; planning and facilitating activities and special events; supporting and mentoring students, interns, and volunteers; and providing educational opportunities throughout Randall Children’s Hospital, Legacy Health System, and the community.  This is a non-exempt position for unbudgeted employees with unpredictable hours and schedules.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field with all clinical coursework for clinical Child Life Certification completed.
• Completion of a 600-hour Child Life internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist. 
• Work experience with children, youth, and families in non-healthcare settings also preferred.

Skill Requirements:

• Plans and implements comprehensive Child Life services.
• Broad knowledge of child developmental theories, specific illnesses/diagnosis, medical terminology physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial needs of children 0-21 years.
• Ability to assess and respond to the developmental and psychosocial needs of infants, children, youth, and families using the theories of human growth and development, therapeutic play, and emotionally supportive interventions.
• Provides emotionally supportive play and preparation for pediatric patients undergoing surgery, medical tests, and procedures. 
• Enhances patient's and family's understanding of medical procedures and diagnosis by facilitating developmentally appropriate procedural preparation and support.
• Partner with interdisciplinary team, including patient and family, to create a collaborative plan of care.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, including effectively triaging patient and family needs.
• Ability to supervise child life students and volunteers.
• Demonstrates technology skills and ability to navigate electronic systems applicable to job functions. 

LEGACY’S VALUES IN ACTION:

Follows guidelines set forth in Legacy’s Values in Action.

Equal opportunity employer/vet/disabled.

Licensure

• Must obtain Certified Child Life Certification (CCLS) from the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) within one year of employment.