Child Life Specialist - Child Life Program

Overview

Provides and supports the psychosocial development of children who are hospitalized or children of a patient who is hospitalized. Provides developmental activities or creates treatment plans compatible with medical and psychosocial needs, interests, and capabilities to assist in the adjustment to a hospital environment or setting.

• Assesses and interacts with patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems, and cultural background.
• Provides a therapeutic and safe environment for individuals and groups aged 18 and under.
• Assists patients in coping with the stress of hospitalization, illness, new diagnosis, death and/or loss.
• Participates in patient and family teaching.
• Integrates the Child Life Program into the health care team.
• Represents, communicates, and documents child life and psychosocial issues of pediatric health care to others.
• Oversees child life interns and volunteers.
• Develops, implements, documents, and evaluates child life services.
• Meets with the others on the Child Life Program team to review daily activities and patient care needs.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

• Bachelor of Science/Arts in the field of Child Life, Human Resources, Child Development or Psychology, with a focus on the hospitalized child.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills essential.
• Child Life certification or pending preferred.