Child Life Specialist PRN

Assesses, educates, prepares, and supports patients and families in the healthcare system. Provides emotionally safe care using age-appropriate preparation for medical procedures, pain management and coping strategies, and play and self-expression activities.

• Identifies and advocates for the needs of patients and families within the healthcare system and/or community. Supports patients and families in adjusting to injury, diagnosis, acute or chronic illness, or disability.
• Develops age-appropriate strategies to minimize trauma and increase understanding of a medical diagnosis through treatment plans using therapeutic play, education, preparation, and activities that promote growth and development. Evaluates effectiveness of child life interventions, and alters interventions based upon ongoing assessment and results.
• Implements appropriate intervention strategies and styles for individual patients/families to accomplish goals. Promotes and supports pain management, utilizing variety of coping strategies tailored to the needs of the child. Reviews and revises goals as appropriate.
• Conducts post-procedural assessments and/or interventions, and adapts care and advocacy as needed.
• Documents services and/or interventions provided; follows up on referrals in a timely manner; reports suspicions of abuse and neglect as mandated for investigation.
• Writes concise, objective, and accurate clinical notes, documenting pertinent information including patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the medical record.
• Seeks opportunities for involvement in evidence‑based care/professional networking and maintains designated knowledge level. Remains current in professional field and utilizes best practice and/or evidence‑based practice to ensure high level of care.
• Partners with providers, nurses, social workers, and others to meet the unique emotional, developmental, and cultural needs of each child and family. Participates in patient care conferences and/or rounds.
• Collects and records data as requested by child life supervisor with regard to patient metrics or productivity.
• Attends monthly departmental staff meetings according to attendance policy set forth by Child Life Supervisor.
• Participates in quality improvement activities through staff meetings, committees, continuing educational and professional activities.
• Provides patient care and education according to the patient population served.

• Ability to apply knowledge of normal growth and development of children and issues for hospitalized children at each developmental level.
• Ability to communicate concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to apply knowledge of normal growth and development of children and adolescents (ages birth - 18) to minimize stress and anxiety of the healthcare environment. Ability to apply child development knowledge to supply patient care areas with appropriate toys that also meet infection control standards.
• Ability to provide information to staff and caregivers about child development and issues that might affect how the child copes with medical care.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, or closely related field of study, which includes course requirements as set forth by the Association of Child Life Professionals required.
• Certification by the Child Life Certifying Commission, CCLS (Certified Child Life Specialist), OR obtain child life certification within 12 months of transfer or hire date, and continue to maintain thereafter required.
• Prior working knowledge of using computer programs and electronic medical records required.
• CPR (BLS) certified required.

• Other Duties:
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