Child Life Specialist - PRN (as needed)

This role is PRN (as needed) that does not provide benefits.  Candidate must be available for at least two (2) shifts per month. 

Provides therapeutic services and play activities to promote the physical, emotional and developmental growth of patients and minimize potential tress and trauma for patients and families.

Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development or related field. (Required)
Master's Degree Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development or related field. (Preferred)

Minimum Work Experience
Completion of Child Life Internship (minimum 600 hours) and all internship prerequisites including, but not limited to volunteer hours and Child Life Practicum. (Required)
Candidate must be certified or eligible for Child Life Certification. (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development based on the theories of development, including but not limited to Piaget, Erikson, Bowlby, and Vygotsky
Knowledge of age-appropriate play and ability to utilize play as a mechanism for patient-understanding of the hospital environment and experiences
Ability to assess patient’s development and response to hospital environment and provide developmentally appropriate interventions
Ability to discuss medical experiences in age-appropriate, child-friendly language
Understanding of basic human anatomy and physiology and knowledge of medical terminology
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, utilizing critical thinking and problem solving skills
Ability to comfortably work with internal and external customers from diverse social, cultural and educational backgrounds.
Ability to identify and work collaboratively with diverse teams.
Ability to listen, be empathetic, motivate and follow-through, and eager to seize challenges and resolve issues

Functional Accountabilities
Direct Patient Care

• Assesses patients’ development, temperament, coping style, and adjustment using knowledge of child development and behavior, disease/injury, treatment, healthcare stressors, cultural and family systems

• Uses knowledge and resources to create developmental plan and implement appropriate child life and interdisciplinary interventions.

• Provides therapeutic interactions and activities which offer emotional support, opportunities for continued growth and development, and diversion from the hospital experience

• Provides opportunities for and facilitates a variety of group and/or individual recreational and play activities that promote normalization, development, learning, self-expression, and coping

• Uses preparation and medical play opportunities to help alleviate misconceptions and increase understanding of hospital procedures

• Provides procedural support to patients in order to foster increased coping skills and evaluates effectiveness of interventions to better inform and individualize future support

• Provides education and support to siblings and parents related to hospital visits, effects of hospitalization, procedures, new diagnoses, etc.