Child Life Specialist
A Child Life Specialist focuses on the emotional and developmental needs of children facing hospitalization or medical treatment. They employ play therapy and other methods to help children cope.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Child Life Specialist
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Junior Child Life Specialist, you will work to reduce the stress and anxiety that children and families may experience related to healthcare environments, procedures, and illnesses. You will utilize therapeutic play, education, and psychosocial support to enhance the coping and adjustment of children and families.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong observational and assessment skills.
- Ability to provide emotional support and empathy.
- Creativity and flexibility in therapeutic planning.
- Knowledge of medical terminology and hospital procedures.
- Capability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field.
- Completion of a child life internship under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is preferred.
- Knowledge of child development and family systems.
- Ability to interact with children of various age groups and developmental levels.
- Comfortable working in a clinical setting and able to handle emotional situations.
Responsibilities
- Assess the needs of children and families to provide age-appropriate interventions.
- Implement therapeutic play sessions to help children understand medical procedures.
- Provide psychological preparation for children undergoing tests, surgeries, and other medical procedures.
- Support families in understanding the emotional needs of their child.
- Collaborate with the healthcare team to advocate for the child's best interest.
- Document interactions and progress of the children under your care.
- Plan and conduct activities to meet the needs of hospitalized children and adolescents.
- Assist with the development of coping strategies for children facing medical challenges.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Child Life Specialist will provide emotional support and educational services to children and families undergoing medical procedures or coping with illness. This role requires a compassionate individual with a background in child development, psychology, or a related field.
Required Skills
- Ability to develop and facilitate therapeutic play programs.
- Proficient in child development and psychological assessment techniques.
- Skilled in developing educational materials for children and families.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Adept at working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field.
- Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential required.
- 2-5 years of professional experience working with children in a healthcare setting.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with children and their families.
- Knowledge of child development and family systems.
- Experience in crisis intervention and providing emotional support.
Responsibilities
- Assess the psychosocial needs of children and families to provide appropriate interventions.
- Develop and implement therapeutic play programs to promote coping and adjustment.
- Educate children about their medical conditions and procedures using developmentally appropriate methods.
- Support family members in understanding and supporting their child's emotional needs.
- Collaborate with the healthcare team to provide holistic care to pediatric patients.
- Document patient interactions and therapeutic interventions in medical records.
- Facilitate support groups for patients and their families.
- Coordinate with community resources to provide comprehensive care and follow-up.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
Seeking an experienced Senior Child Life Specialist to provide support and developmental care to children and their families in healthcare settings. The ideal candidate will have a compassionate nature and substantial experience in child life programming, aiming to help reduce stress and anxiety for pediatric patients through therapeutic and educational interventions.
Required Skills
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organizational and program development skills.
- Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Skill in providing emotional support and coping strategies to children and families.
- Proficient in documenting and maintaining patient records in accordance with hospital policies.
- Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or a related field.
- Certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is required.
- Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in a child life program within a hospital setting.
- Proven leadership experience and the ability to mentor less experienced staff.
- Strong understanding of family systems and the impact of illness, injury, and hospitalization on family dynamics.
- Advanced knowledge of child development and the ability to apply this knowledge to meet the individual needs of children.
Responsibilities
- Develop, plan, and implement child life programs to meet the needs of children and families experiencing medical challenges.
- Provide age-appropriate education to children and families about medical procedures, diagnoses, and hospitalization to reduce fear and anxiety.
- Assess and document children's needs and responses to interventions, adjusting care plans as necessary.
- Train and supervise junior child life specialists, volunteers, and interns.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide a comprehensive plan of care.
- Advocate for the emotional and developmental needs of children in the healthcare system.
- Facilitate play and leisure activities that promote normal growth and development.
- Support families in coping with the stresses of having a child in the hospital.
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