Specialist, Child Life

Overview

This position assesses and provides services in response to the identified psychosocial and developmental needs of children and their families. This position provides education and coping support to children and families to reduce the stress and anxiety accompanying hospitalization and other aspects of healthcare. Responsible for training and working with Patient Activity Coordinators, Project Rise Hospitality Assistants, foster grandparents, and volunteers in assigned areas.

Responsible for facilitating an accredited Child Life Internship Program, a Child Life Practicum Program, and providing educational experiences for other health care professionals and learners. Responsible for completing other duties as assigned.

At Children's Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, teamwork, and integrity.

Because we value the safety of patients and staff, the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella, and must provide evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If selected, you will be asked to supply immunization records. Medical and/or religious exemptions can be discussed with Human Resources.

• Clinical Services and Intervention:
  Generate positive behavioral, psychological, and physiological outcomes through individualized interventions with pediatric patients throughout diagnosis, treatment, transitions of care, loss, grief, and/or bereavement.
• Assessment and Treatment Planning:
  Assess and prioritize children and families and develop comprehensive plans of care based on psychosocial risk and need.
• Practice Management:
  Represent, communicate, and teach child life services appropriately to other professionals, volunteers, students, and the community; work collaboratively with all parties as needed to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Bachelor’s Degree required and 1‑2 years of experience preferred, or Master’s Degree preferred.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS); employees must obtain CCLS or equivalent within 365 days.
• Infant Massage Instructor Certification preferred.
• Recreational Therapy Certification preferred.

The benefits plans at Children's Mercy are designed to meet the changing needs of employees and their families. Learn more about Children's Mercy benefits.

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $22.13/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

Children's Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents, and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references, and a criminal background investigation are factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or veteran status.

A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children's Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.