Child Life Specialist

About the role

The Child Life Specialist at RWJBarnabas Health plays a vital role in supporting the emotional, developmental, and psychosocial well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and their families throughout the healthcare experience.

Responsibilities

• Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessments to develop individualized treatment plans based on each child's developmental level, coping style, medical needs, and family support system
• Utilizes therapeutic play as both a diagnostic and treatment tool to promote emotional expression, coping, and healing
• Prepares children and families for medical procedures using developmentally appropriate education and coping techniques
• Provides emotional support to patients and family members before, during, and after medical procedures
• Implements stress-reduction strategies, including distraction, relaxation, guided imagery, and other age-appropriate interventions
• Develops and facilitates therapeutic activities, special events, and programs that promote normal childhood experiences during hospitalization
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary care teams to support the developmental and psychosocial needs of patients
• Documents Child Life interventions, patient progress, and relevant observations in accordance with departmental standards
• Educates healthcare staff on Child Life programming and developmentally appropriate, family-centered care
• Affords assistance with community outreach initiatives, special programming, and supervision of Child Life interns while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Psychology, Child Development, Education, or a related field required
• Master's degree preferred
• Completion of a Child Life Internship required
• Child Life Certification preferred upon hire
• Child Life Certification required within one year of employment and must be maintained throughout employment

Qualifications

• Passion for supporting children and families through challenging healthcare experiences
• Compassion, empathy, and family-centered care guide every interaction
• Effective communication with children of all developmental stages, as well as parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals
• Creativity and enjoyment of using play, education, and therapeutic interventions to reduce fear and anxiety
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and supportive in fast-paced and emotionally sensitive situations
• Value for collaboration and enjoyment of working as part of an interdisciplinary pediatric care team
• Continuous learning and professional growth are important to you

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of child development and psychology
• Experience with therapeutic play and interventions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

Benefits

RWJBarnabas Health offers a market-competitive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

Pay

The pay range for this position is $64,500.00 - $80,700.00 per year.

Schedule

The shift is Evening.