Child Life Specialist - Pediatrics/Children Hospital-Full-time/days
About the role
The Child Life Specialist at McLeod Health works in a pediatric setting, collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure the needs of children and their families are met. This role involves advocating for the child's well-being, preparing them for medical procedures, providing emotional support, and developing coping skills.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care and address the child's needs.
- Advocate for the child's well-being, ensuring their needs are met and their voice is heard within the healthcare setting.
- Provide emotional support to children and families, helping them process their experiences, fears, and anxieties related to illness and hospitalization.
- Prepare children for medical procedures, explaining what to expect in an age-appropriate manner and using play to simulate or practice procedures.
- Offer information about medical diagnoses, treatments, and hospital routines, helping children and families understand their situation.
- Assess the child's and family's needs and develop individualized care plans.
- Create a safe and comfortable environment for children and families, promoting a sense of normalcy and well-being.
- Help children develop coping skills through play, art, music, and other forms of self-expression.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of child life programs and identify areas for improvement.
Qualifications
- Satisfaction of the Child Life Certifying Commission’s coursework and internship requirements prior to the start of employment, including 600 child life internship hours under the supervision of a certified child life specialist.
- Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Child Life, or a related field that meets the Child Life Council's recommendation for coursework concentration in Child Life.
- Certification by the Child Life Certifying Commission within twelve (12) months of hire.
Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work with children and families, knowledge of child development, and proficiency in therapeutic interventions.
Benefits
McLeod Health offers competitive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.
Pay
Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
Schedule
Full Time; Days - 8:00am - 4:30pm
About Us
Founded in 1906, McLeod Health is a locally owned and managed, not-for-profit organization. It is composed of approximately 15,000 team members and more than 90 physician practices throughout its 18-county service area. McLeod Health operates seven hospitals, three Health and Fitness Centers, a Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Hospice and Home Health Services, and currently has 988 licensed beds, including Hospice and Behavioral Health. The hospitals within McLeod Health include: McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Health Dillon, McLeod Health Loris, McLeod Health Seacoast, McLeod Health Cheraw, McLeod Health Clarendon, and McLeod Behavioral Health.
Team
If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today. We are an equal opportunity employer.