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Title
Text copied to clipboard!Child Life Specialist
Description
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We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Child Life Specialist to join our healthcare team. The Child Life Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting children and their families during medical procedures, hospital stays, and healthcare experiences. This professional is responsible for creating a comforting and supportive environment that helps children cope with stress, anxiety, and fear associated with medical treatments and hospitalization.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of child development, psychology, and therapeutic play techniques. They will work closely with healthcare providers, families, and interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans that address the emotional, developmental, and psychosocial needs of pediatric patients. The Child Life Specialist will utilize play, education, and expressive activities to help children understand their medical conditions and procedures, reducing anxiety and promoting positive coping strategies.
Responsibilities include assessing the emotional and developmental needs of pediatric patients, planning and implementing therapeutic play and educational activities, and providing emotional support to children and their families. The specialist will also prepare children for medical procedures by explaining processes in age-appropriate language, using medical play and visual aids to enhance understanding and reduce fear.
Additionally, the Child Life Specialist will advocate for the emotional and developmental needs of children within the healthcare setting, ensuring that their voices are heard and their experiences are as positive as possible. They will collaborate with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists, to ensure comprehensive care and support for pediatric patients.
The successful candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating empathy, patience, and sensitivity when interacting with children and families facing challenging medical situations. They will also have strong organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances within a dynamic healthcare environment.
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field, along with certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). Previous experience working with children in healthcare settings is highly preferred. Knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, and pediatric healthcare practices is essential.
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families during difficult times. The Child Life Specialist will be an integral part of our healthcare team, contributing to the overall well-being and positive healthcare experiences of pediatric patients. If you are passionate about supporting children and families, possess the necessary qualifications and experience, and are committed to providing compassionate care, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.
Responsibilities
Text copied to clipboard!- Assess emotional and developmental needs of pediatric patients.
- Plan and implement therapeutic play and educational activities.
- Provide emotional support to children and families during medical procedures.
- Prepare children for medical procedures using age-appropriate explanations and medical play.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans.
- Advocate for the emotional and developmental needs of pediatric patients.
- Maintain accurate documentation of patient interactions and interventions.
Requirements
Text copied to clipboard!- Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field.
- Certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
- Previous experience working with children in healthcare settings preferred.
- Strong knowledge of child development and therapeutic play techniques.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Knowledge of medical terminology and pediatric healthcare practices.
Potential interview questions
Text copied to clipboard!- Can you describe your experience working with children in healthcare settings?
- How do you approach preparing a child for a medical procedure?
- What therapeutic play techniques have you found most effective in reducing anxiety?
- How do you handle challenging emotional situations involving children and families?
- Can you provide an example of how you collaborated with healthcare professionals to support a pediatric patient?
