Child Life Specialist

Job Summary

Develop, coordinate and implement the delivery of developmentally appropriate play activities, expressive arts, and special events for pediatric patients and their families within the health care setting, both at the bedside and in playroom settings.

Serves as the child's advocate when collaborating with the healthcare team to determine suitable therapeutic interventions. Utilizes expert knowledge of child development, family systems theories, and the developmental effects of stress and trauma on children to establish appropriate interventions to alleviate distress.

Promotes family-centered care and facilitates the strengthening of positive coping and resiliency skills within the healthcare setting. Provides ongoing assessment of interventions used. Provides oversight and direction for utilization of volunteers in Child Life department.

Possesses expert knowledge of medical diagnosis and procedures. Understands special needs of children with chronic or disabling conditions, with expertise in the use of play activities in a health care environment and in-depth knowledge of research regarding children in health care settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development, or related field required.
• Completion of Child Life internship required.
• Minimum two years experience working with various age groups of children is preferred.
• Experience working with pediatric population in a therapeutic setting desired.
• Certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is required or must be obtained within one year of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within six months of hire.

Department Details

Inpatient Child Life Specialist with some flexing capability to other areas. Weekend rotation (every 4th).

Benefits

Sanford offers an attractive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees. Depending on eligibility, a variety of benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, work/life balance benefits, and a generous time off package to maintain a healthy home-work balance.

Sanford

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.