Child Life Specialist-Coral Springs

Job Summary

Works under the supervision of leadership and Child Life team to assist the child and/or family in their adjustment to hospital, diagnosis, and/or treatment plan by providing pre/post procedural/surgical teachings, emotional support, developmentally appropriate play activities, distraction and support during painful procedures, and medical play to enhance understanding. Collaborates as a member of the interdisciplinary team to develop and administer an individualized plan of care, adhering to the professional standards of practice of the Association of Child Life Professionals.

• Assists the patient/family in their adjustment to the hospital, diagnosis, and/or treatment plan.
• Provides educational interventions using developmentally appropriate explanations.
• Offers emotional support, developmentally appropriate play activities, distraction and support during painful procedures, and engages in medical play to enhance patient understanding.
• Provides Child Life assessments and normalizes the hospital environment for patients and families.
• Covers caseload thoroughly and prioritizes patients based on the Association of Child Life Professional’s guidelines for the standard of care; plans & organizes daily routine; meets deadlines for assigned projects.
• Develops a productive work environment that incorporates volunteers into daily programming through delegating, valuing input, empowering, and providing feedback.
• Establishes and maintains a healthy, balanced, and therapeutic relationship with the patient and family within the integrated healthcare system based on their needs.
• Identifies & addresses the learning needs for patients/families; identifies inhibitors to learning process & readiness to learn; adjusts teaching strategies based on age, ethnic & gender issues.
• Interacts in a cooperative manner within the healthcare team to support and contribute to the shared patient/family focused care goals through professional communications techniques.
• Utilizes a clinical decision-making process and critical thinking to effectively deliver patient care with all healthcare providers across the continuum of care.
• Utilizes clinical decision making processes to achieve desired patient/family outcomes.
• Conducts formal and informal developmental assessments of psychosocial needs of patients and families within 24 hours of consult.
• Serves as backup preceptor for practicum students and intern students once hours set by the Association of Child Life Professionals and competencies are met.
• Serves as unit preceptor for new hires within the Child Life department if competencies are met.
• Provides support and collaborates professionally with Child Life Activity Assistants.

• Bachelor's Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or related field
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) required within 1 year of hire
• American Heart Association AED - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• Completion of Child Life internship following the Association of Child Life Professionals current standards (if candidate has validated Certification from the ACLP, then this requirement will be waived)

• General skills to resolve problems requiring the use of child developmental theory, professional child life principles and experience- based knowledge.
• Basic knowledge of procedures, illnesses, injuries, and other related events on a nursing unit.
• Able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide appropriate care to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.
• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate when delivering Child Life services.
• Well-developed writing skills, and excellent communication skills including conflict resolution to effectively work as a team member.

This position is located at Nicklaus Children's at Coral Springs

Bonus eligible for qualified applicants

Job:
Professional
Department: BHMC CHILD LIFE
- Job Status:
Full Time