Child Life Specialist NE-Per Diem

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home.

Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn't just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team.

Our child life team consists of Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS), child life assistants and a gaming & technology specialist. Child life is an integral part of the multidisciplinary care team on our inpatient units and in outpatient areas, specializing in reducing the stress and uncertainty patients and families experience in a healthcare setting. Using a developmental approach based in play, our child life specialists guide our patients in understanding their diagnosis and treatment, and in coping with healthcare experiences.

The child life team provides a variety of play opportunities and programming to normalize the environment and promote development. We embrace a family centered care approach and incorporate caregivers and siblings into our interventions and activities. Our goal is to build strong, trusting relationships with our patients, families and each other. We pride ourselves on our talented, warm and friendly team and look forward to welcoming a new team member!

Under general supervision, contributes to a positive hospital experience by providing psychosocial support for pediatric patients and their families to promote optimal cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of the patient and family during a hospital stay. Assess needs of children and their families taking into consideration each child’s family, culture and stage of development. Provide children and their families with a variety of developmental, therapeutic and educational opportunities in order to minimize stress and anxiety, and to provide support to patient/family during hospitalization or challenging events.

Reports to Manager of Child & Family Support Services.

ASSESSMENT & PLANNING:
Assess the coping responses and needs of assigned patients/families to their healthcare experience; plan and coordinate appropriate developmental, therapeutic and educational opportunities for the patient and family during the hospital stay, taking into consideration the individuality of each child’s family, culture and stage of development; develop and implement activities, resources and programs to meet patient/family needs.
THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS:
Minimize stress and anxiety for patient by providing developmentally appropriate opportunities (in activity rooms and at bedside) that encourage expression of feelings and promote a sense of mastery and understanding of health care experiences. Maintain appropriate supply of therapeutic materials. Prepare children and families for and provide support during tests, surgeries or other medical procedures through education, tours, rehearsal and coping skills development.

Promote and support parental role.
ESSENTIAL LIFE EXPERIENCES:
Provide essential…