Child Life Specialist

Job Summary
The Child Life Specialist is responsible for providing therapeutic play opportunities and assisting children with coping skills before, during and after medical procedures. Utilizing developmentally appropriate play, preparation, education and creative expression activities, the Child Life Specialist provides support to children and families in order to lessen the stress of the hospital experience.
Essential Functions

• Assess children and families at various stress points throughout their health care experience. Identify relevant data regarding the child and family to develop a comprehensive assessment and initiate a plan of care. Identify developmental and psychosocial factors and their implications regarding the child's healthcare experience in order to plan appropriate goals and interventions.

• Based upon assessment of child and family, facilitate play and familiar life experiences to encourage expression, process information and promote development. Evaluate and document assessments, goals, interventions, outcomes and significant events. Modify care plans as needed. Make appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Utilizing evidence-based best practices, facilitate preparation (e.g. psychological, educational) for challenging situations with children and families in order to minimize fear and anxiety and to promote mastery of their experience. Facilitate positive coping strategies (e.g. pain management, comfort positioning, distraction, alternative focus, guided imagery, child participation) in order to minimize distress and promote empowerment.
• Provide educational opportunities and resources that are responsive to the needs of children and families in order to promote learning and mastery. Provide education about specific illnesses, injuries and medical procedures in age appropriate language. Provide pre-operative tours and outpatient services including special events and support when deemed necessary by Child Life department.
• Educate staff, students, volunteers and the community of the unique needs of children and families to foster appropriate and positive interactions throughout the healthcare experience by acting as a resource regarding
  adjustment to illness and hospitalization, development, age- appropriate play and materials.
• Collaborate with health care team to enhance communication, foster Patient and Family-Centered Care and maximize positive outcomes. Act as resource for volunteers and provide direction/feedback as needed.
• Maintain toys, supplies, play areas and waiting areas by following toy cleaning and safety processes. Identify available resources and promote relationships with community organizations to assist with fiscally responsible purchases and donations.

Qualifications

• Required Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Child Development or related field.

• Successful completion of Child Life Internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist who meets the basic requirements for supervision as recommended by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). Required

• CRT-Child Life Specialist (CCLS) - CLCC Child Life Certification Commission 1 Year required

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Primary Location
SITE - Dearborn Hospital - 18101 Oakwood Blvd - Dearborn
Department Name
Nursing Child Life Services - Royal Oak
Employment Type
Full time
Shift
Day (United States of America)
Weekly Scheduled Hours
40
Hours of Work
8am-4:30am
Days Worked
M-F
Weekend Frequency
Variable weekends
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Corewell Health is committed to providing a safe environment for our team members, patients, visitors, and community. We require a drug-free workplace and require team members to comply with the MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and Influenza vaccine requirement if in an on-site or hybrid workplace category. We are committed to supporting prospective team members who require reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment due to a disability, pregnancy, or sincerely held religious belief.
Corewell Health grants equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.
An interconnected, collaborative culture where all are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, is vital to the health of our organization. As a health system, we advocate for equity as we care for our patients, our communities, and each other. From workshops that develop cultural intelligence, to our inclusion resource groups for people to find community and empowerment at work, we are dedicated to ongoing resources that advance our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. We invite those that share in our commitment to join our team.
You may request assistance in completing the application process by calling 616.486.7447.