Child Life Specialist NE

                    

At Cleveland Clinic Health System, we believe in a better future for healthcare. And each of us is responsible for honoring our commitment to excellence, pushing the boundaries and transforming the patient experience, every day.

                        

We all have the power to help, heal and change lives — beginning with our own. That’s the power of the Cleveland Clinic Health System team, and The Power of Every One.

                                    

Job Title

Child Life Specialist NE

                        

Location

Cleveland

                    

Facility

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

                     

Department

Enterprise Child Life-Nursing Institute

                      

Job Code

D2002W

                     

Shift

Day/Evening/Night/Weekend

                       

Schedule

8:00am-4:30pm/7:00am-3:30pm

                       

Job Summary

                         

Job Details

Join Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world class and caregivers are family. Here, you will work alongside a passionate and dedicated team, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world. 

 

The Child Life Specialist provides comprehensive psychosocial and developmental support to inpatient and outpatient populations across the Emergency Department, Surgery, critical care, acute care, and ambulatory settings, including pediatric patients and children of adult patients. As an integral member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, the specialist supports patients and families as they navigate illness, injury, medical procedures, hospitalization, and loss. Using a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach, the Child Life Specialist assesses developmental, emotional, psychosocial, and cultural needs to promote coping, understanding, and resilience throughout the healthcare experience.

Through developmentally appropriate education, therapeutic play, non-pharmacological pain management strategies, and emotional and bereavement support, the Child Life Specialist helps reduce anxiety and foster positive adjustment for patients and families. In collaboration with child life colleagues, the specialist contributes to the orientation and supervision of child life students and volunteers, provides interdisciplinary education on the developmental and psychosocial needs of patients and families, and participates in patient-centered programming, special events, and initiatives that enhance the overall care experience.

A caregiver in this position works days| 7:00am—3:30pm or 8:00am—4:30pm. 

 

A caregiver who excels in this role will:  

• Assess the developmental, social, and physical needs of an assigned pediatric population and provide appropriate interventions, such as preparations and therapeutic play. 

• Assess and document patient's developmental level, emotional state, utilizes hospitalization and procedures using informal assessment techniques throughout the hospital stay. 

• Provide education, preparation, and therapeutic intervention for medical events to help children and families cope based on developmental and emotional level. 

• Assist patients and families with relaxation techniques to decrease stress, increase coping skills, and cooperation during tests and procedures. 

• Provide diversional activities in the playroom/activity room and bedside based on individual capabilities and needs. 

• Provide education and information to enhance parental understanding of hospital system and resources. 

• Participate in psychosocial, interdisciplinary, and/or departmental team meetings and communicates developmental and psychosocial needs of children. 

• Organize and manage dedicated events, special guests, support