Child Life Specialist I

About the Role

This role involves being an integral part of the healthcare team, responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs designed to meet the specialized non-medical needs of hospitalized children and their families.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in child life, child development, or a related field is required.
• Completion of a 480-hour child life internship or fellowship is mandatory.
• Master's degree in child life studies is preferred.

Certification:

• Certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is required or must be obtained within one year of employment.

Experience:

• 0 - 1 year of experience in child development is required.
• Experience in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess the individual needs of children and families to plan developmentally and therapeutically appropriate activities.
• Document child life assessments, observations, and recommendations in the medical record.
• Orient and supervise volunteers in providing ongoing play and developmental activities.
• Participate in marketing, public relations, and community-based activities related to children's health.
• Support research and implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Maintain educational and clinical expertise by reviewing professional materials, attending conferences/workshops, and networking with other child life programs.
• Exercise independent judgment in making decisions involving non-routine problems under general supervision.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Working Relationships

• Direct interaction with patients and/or customers.
• Collaboration with internal customers through telephone or face-to-face interactions.
• Work alongside other healthcare professionals and staff.