Child Life Specialist; Per Diem; Norwalk Hospital Emergency Department

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.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children's psychosocial needs and developmental levels.
• Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team, parents, and caregivers.

• 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.

• Offer emotional support and guidance to families, facilitating communication and understanding between healthcare providers and patients.
• Conduct family education sessions on coping strategies and available resources.

• Provide age-appropriate emotional support and education, in collaboration with the health care team, for parents and families surrounding issues of end-of-life care, grief and loss; facilitate memory-making activities relative to family's cultural and traditional practices.

• Effectively communicate observations, assessments and recommendations for care to other members of healthcare team (through verbal and written channels); accurately documents care and services provided following established policies and procedures.
• Advocate for patient and family needs; and activate appropriate services/referrals.
• Assists in the maintenance of a safe and therapeutic patient care environment.
• As assigned, participates in quality improvement activities. Actively participates on inter-disciplinary teams and committees.

Advocate for the needs of children and families within the healthcare system.

Provide training and resources to staff about child development and effective communication with pediatric patients.

• Engage with the community to promote awareness of child life services and the importance of psychosocial support in pediatric care.

• Bachelor's degree in:
  Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) required.
• Previous experience in a pediatric healthcare setting preferred.
• Familiarity with therapeutic techniques and developmental milestones in children.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with children of various ages and backgrounds.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for supporting children and families.

• Significant manual skills/motor coord & finger dexterity
• Some occupational risk
• May exert up to 10 lbs. force

Salary Range: $23.64 - $45.92 hourly (Pay rate is determined per years of relative experience)

Available benefits include: 401(k) Retirement Plan and Wellness Programs. Available benefits for union positions may vary in accordance with applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.