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Title
Text copied to clipboard!Child Life Specialist
Description
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We are looking for a compassionate and skilled Child Life Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will provide emotional, developmental, and psychological support to children and their families in healthcare environments. Your primary responsibility will be to help children cope with the stress and uncertainty of medical procedures, hospital stays, and treatments. By using therapeutic play, education, and emotional support, you will create a positive and comforting environment for young patients and their families.
As a Child Life Specialist, you will collaborate with medical staff, social workers, and other professionals to ensure the holistic well-being of pediatric patients. You will assess the needs of each child and family, develop individualized care plans, and implement interventions that promote understanding, resilience, and coping skills. Your role will also involve educating families about medical procedures and conditions in a way that is age-appropriate and easy to understand.
In addition to direct patient care, you will organize and facilitate activities that promote normalcy and development for children in healthcare settings. This may include planning play sessions, art therapy, or group activities that encourage social interaction and emotional expression. You will also advocate for the needs and rights of children within the healthcare system, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected.
The ideal candidate for this position is empathetic, patient, and highly skilled in child development and psychology. You should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. A background in child life, psychology, or a related field is essential, and certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is highly preferred.
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families during challenging times, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding and impactful role.
Responsibilities
Text copied to clipboard!- Provide emotional and developmental support to children in healthcare settings.
- Use therapeutic play and education to help children understand medical procedures.
- Collaborate with medical staff to create individualized care plans for patients.
- Organize and facilitate activities that promote normalcy and development.
- Educate families about medical conditions and procedures in an age-appropriate manner.
- Advocate for the needs and rights of pediatric patients within the healthcare system.
- Assess the emotional and psychological needs of children and their families.
- Document patient interactions and maintain accurate records.
Requirements
Text copied to clipboard!- Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Psychology, or a related field.
- Certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of child development and family dynamics.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience in a healthcare or pediatric setting is an advantage.
- Empathy, patience, and a passion for working with children.
- Proficiency in organizing and facilitating therapeutic activities.
Potential interview questions
Text copied to clipboard!- Can you describe your experience working with children in healthcare settings?
- How do you use therapeutic play to help children cope with medical procedures?
- What strategies do you use to communicate complex medical information to children and families?
- How do you handle emotionally challenging situations with patients and families?
- Can you provide an example of a time you advocated for a child's needs in a healthcare setting?
- What role does collaboration with medical staff play in your approach to patient care?
- How do you ensure that your interventions are age-appropriate and culturally sensitive?
- What motivates you to work as a Child Life Specialist?
