CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST

Integrating excellent communication skills, leadership, decision-making abilities, and advanced knowledge and clinical skills, the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) continuously strives for improvements in the delivery and outcomes of care provided to pediatric patients and their families. Demonstrates excellent customer service performance in attitude and actions consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the pediatric health care team and other departments, such as ECC, Pre-Admission Testing and Surgical Services, to develop consultation processes to developmentally support care for pediatric patients and their families.
• Provides preoperative education and emotional support utilizing play and distraction techniques.
• Serves as leader to provide education to other disciplines in evidence-based approaches to interactions with infants and children during procedures.
• Participates in the management of select direct and indirect care activities for complex, atypical patients and families.
• Evaluates patient care practices, integrating research-based therapeutics and continuous quality improvements to enhance outcomes.
• Coordinates, develops and evaluates patient and family education for effectiveness and cultural appropriateness.
• Develops relationships and outreach into the community, including primary care physicians and surgeon offices as indicated.
• Analyzes practice and designs interdisciplinary interventions from implementation and testing toward achievement of evidence-based/best practice for patients.
• Provides leadership to the health care team to develop, implement and evaluate new patient care programs.
• Prepares and presents periodic outcomes reports for the pediatric patient population.
• Facilitates and conducts educational outcomes research in collaboration with staff and other disciplines.
• Maintains professional development through seminars, workshops, in-service activities, and current professional literature.
• Participates as a leader or member of key department and hospital committees.
• Demonstrates and communicates clinical expertise in assigned patient population, role modeling application of clinical practice standards.

Requirements

• Certification to practice as a CCLS required or within 2 years of hire or transfer.
• Bachelor's degree in education, Psychology, or Human Growth & Development required.
• 1 year of clinical experience preferred.
• Experience in developing and delivering interdisciplinary education.

Skills

• Sound judgement in difficult/sensitive situations.
• Ability to meet Covenant's leadership expectations (strategic leadership, character, interpersonal skills, job performance, and results).
• Ability to develop relationships and lead teams.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Constant lift up to 10 lbs.
• Constant talking, hearing, near vision, midrange vision, far vision.
• Frequent lift up to 25 lbs.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching.
• Occasional lift up to 100 or more lbs.
• Occasional carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, twisting.
• Occasional handling, feeling, depth perception.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans with employer match.
• Paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Employee wellness programs and mental health support.
• Tuition reimbursement, university discounts, and professional development opportunities.

At Covenant HealthCare, we are united by a shared mission of providing Extraordinary Care for Every Generation. We foster a culture built on teamwork, excellence, accountability, respect, customer service, and enthusiasm, where every employee plays an important role in delivering patient-centered care and making a difference in our community.