Child Life Specialist - 32 hrs/wk

Children's Hospital & Medical Center•Omaha, NE

About The Position

At Children’s, the region’s only full-service pediatric healthcare center, our people make us the very best for kids. Come cultivate your passion, purpose and professional development in an environment of excellence and inclusion, where team members are supported and deeply valued. Opportunities for career growth abound as we grow our services and spaces, including the cutting-edge Hubbard Center for Children. Join our highly engaged, caring team—and join us in providing brighter, healthier tomorrows for the children we serve. Children's is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer including veterans and people with disabilities. A Brief Overview Provide a therapeutic, educational, and recreational program for patients. Plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities which promote normal growth and development, in conjunction with supporting the psycho-social needs of the patients and their families throughout the course of their testing/treatment or hospitalization. Hours in keeping with typical patient need in assigned area as approved by supervisor.

Requirements

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
Clinical internship is a minimum of 600 hours under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist. Required
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 possesses 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

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a hospital setting as a Child Life Specialist Preferred

Responsibilities

Provides preparation and support to patients undergoing medical procedures and treatments through pre-procedural teaching and assesses coping skills and adjustment to hospitalization, surgery and/or chronic illness on a daily basis.
Uses formal and informal assessment techniques to accurately determine patient’s developmental and emotional states.
Uses developmentally appropriate and medically accurate teaching aids and techniques to increase knowledge and support emotional needs.
Advocates for the needs of patients and families by communicating important information with the appropriate health care professionals.
Writes concise, objective, and accurate clinical notes, documenting pertinent information in a timely manner.
Facilitates interaction with patients, siblings, and parents.
Recognizes and addresses the importance of therapeutic play in facilitating child’s mastery of and coping with the health care experience.
Incorporates family’s involvement into their child’s care, identifies family needs and views.
Communicates with patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems and cultural background. Actively advocates patient needs to medical team members and ancillary services. Seeks appropriate/alternative approaches to care which may minimize the impact of the healthcare experience.
Communicates concisely with other professionals, integrating theory and evidence based practice to obtain and share pertinent information.
Demonstrates respect for the viewpoints of other professionals.
Coordinates child life services with families and professionals.
Promotes child life within own department/area using creative ways and approaches with staff and families. Coordinates and participates in educational programs that explain Child Life Services.
Actively participates in the New Employee Orientation of new hires.
Coordinates school re-entry programs or support groups as needed.
Actively involved in providing a safe learning environment for our intern and practicum students.
Participates in the volunteer program and assists in modifying the process as needed. Coordinates outreach programs, pre-op preparation education and/or support groups.
Recognizes verbal and nonverbal cues and adapts teaching accordingly.
Assesses knowledge, misconceptions, previous experiences and unique socio- cultural learning needs.
Provides educational information to various groups within the hospital and community when relevant.
Maintains play area in a safe, orderly, and child friendly condition and ensures that toys are appropriately cleaned and kept in good condition.
Follows Infection Control and safety procedures and policies.
Maintains playroom in a safe and orderly manner.
Toys are maintained and cleaned using an approved cleaner.
Assures availability of toys for various age ranges and developmental levels.
Maintains current knowledge regarding development, trends, and techniques in Child Life.
Incorporates Child Life trends and best practices into care delivery.
Identifies resources and opportunities for professional development.