Child Life Specialist

Job Description

Join Children’s, the region’s only full-service pediatric healthcare center, and make a lasting impact as a Child Life Specialist. Be part of an engaged, compassionate team dedicated to supporting children and families while fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and professional growth. Learn how to become certified: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-certified

Focus on patients that need or have an Adaptive Care Plan. Provide a therapeutic, educational and recreational program for patients. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities which promote normal growth and development, and support the psychosocial needs of the patient and their families throughout the course of their testing/treatment or hospitalization.

This position provides a comprehensive animal‑assisted therapy facility dog program that supports the emotional, developmental, and social needs of children in a health‑care setting. Provide opportunities for children to gain a sense of mastery, offering play and learning experiences, and encouraging family and peer interaction through animal‑assisted therapy.

Provide a therapeutic, educational, and recreational program for patients. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities which promote normal growth and development, in conjunction with supporting the psycho‑social needs of patients and their families throughout the course of their testing/treatment or hospitalization.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field required

• Successful completion of an internship which meets the standards set by the Association of Child Life Specialists required upon hire
• Required - Clinical internship with a minimum of 600 hours under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist
• Previous experience in a hospital setting as a Child Life Specialist preferred
• * Facility Dog Handler requires a minimum of one year of experience and experience with care of animals is preferred

• Requires experience with healthy children and hospitalized children generally acquired through field experience and a Child Life internship which meets the standards set by the Association of Child Life Professionals
• Possesses interpersonal skills which enable the individual to establish professional rapport with patients and families and possess assertive skills necessary to advocate effectively for patients and families.

• CCLS – Certified Child Life Specialist within two years of hire date required
• BCLS – Basic Life Support through the American Heart Association within 180 days required

Children's is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer including veterans and people with disabilities.