Child Life Specialist - NICU - Ochsner Baptist

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people.

For us, this is more than a job– it’s a calling. It’s waking up each day, looking for ways to make a difference with a compassionate, inclusive and talented team. Ochsner empowers you to discover your passion, reach your potential, and Pursue Your Purpose. Exceptional care starts with exceptional people and teams. Together we are leading the way.

This job serves as an integral clinical member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team, delivering developmentally appropriate, evidence-based psychosocial interventions to pediatric patients and families. Provides independent therapeutic support to reduce emotional distress, strengthen coping skills, and promote positive healthcare experiences. Collaborates with providers and care teams to support patient and family education, procedural preparation, and patient-centered initiatives that enhance clinical outcomes and the overall care environment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Required – Bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology, or related field.

Preferred – Master’s degree, or Advanced coursework in pediatric or developmental disciplines.

Required –Completion of accredited Child Life Internship with eligible to sit for Child Life Certification examination.

1+ year of experience in child life, child and family studies, child development, or related field.

Preferred – 2+ year of clinical experience in pediatric healthcare setting.

Required – Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Preferred – Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or obtained within designated timeframe.

• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal with patients, families, multidisciplinary team members, departmental peers, and community agency personnel effectively and courteously.
• Good organizational skills.
• Good time management skills.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and a professional relationship with patients and families.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability) and travel throughout and between facilities.

• Conducts developmental and psychosocial assessments to identify patient and family needs, and guide individualized care planning.
• Designs and implements therapeutic interventions to support coping and emotional expression.
• Provides procedural preparation and support to reduce anxiety and trauma associated with medical experiences.
• Educates families and caregivers on coping strategies and developmental needs.
• Collaborates with physicians, nursing staff, and multidisciplinary team members to support coordinated patient-centered care.
• Maintains clinical documentation in accordance with organizational and professional standards.
• Provides mentorship and guidance to Child Life Assistant and Interns during clinical and program activities.
• Participates in interdisciplinary committees,…