Child Life Specialist

Community Health Systems; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

401(k) with employer matching

Tuition Reimbursement

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Community Health Systems in Fort Wayne, IN is seeking a Certified Child Life Specialist responsible for providing therapeutic interventions to patients in a hospital setting. This role involves assessing patient needs and developing care plans, ensuring collaborative support to improve patient outcomes.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and possess 1-2 years of relevant experience. This full-time position operates weekdays with occasional weekends, offering a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in a behavioral health or clinical setting required.
• De-escalation training certification within 30 days of hire required.
• BCLS – Basic Life Support required.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients' emotional and psychological needs.
• Provide therapeutic interventions for patients.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals in patient care.
• Facilitate educational programs to improve coping mechanisms.

Skills

Child development understanding

Communication skills

Behavior management techniques

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Health or related field

Job description

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, & vision plans to keep you and your family healthy. Life Insurance is also available.
• Future Security – 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition Reimbursement – because we invest in your future.
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.
• Paid Time Off – Generous paid time off – giving you a good work/life balance and time to recharge.

Role

Child Life Specialist – MUST BE A CERTIFIED CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST

Location

Lutheran Hospital – Fort Wayne, IN

Schedule

Full Time – Day shift – Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (can vary depending on hospital need); Occasional weekends.

Job Summary

The Child Life Specialist is responsible for providing therapeutic interventions and behavioral support to patients in a hospital setting. This role involves assessing patient needs, developing behavioral management plans, and working collaboratively with healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. The Behavioral Specialist supports patients in managing emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges, with a focus on enhancing their overall well-being.

Essential Functions

• Assesses patients' emotional, psychological, and behavioral needs and develops individualized care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Provides therapeutic interventions, such as counseling, behavioral therapy, or play therapy (where applicable for children), to assist patients in managing emotional and behavioral difficulties.
• Supports patients in coping with hospitalization, treatment plans, and medical procedures by offering emotional and psychological support.
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Facilitates group sessions, workshops, or educational programs aimed at improving patients' coping mechanisms and overall mental health.
• Monitors patient progress and adjusts behavioral management plans as necessary to ensure effective care.
• Documents patient interactions and maintains accurate, confidential records in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
• Educates patients' families and caregivers on behavioral management techniques and strategies to support patients' recovery and well-being outside of the hospital.
• Acts as a liaison between patients, families, and the healthcare team, ensuring that all parties are informed and supported throughout the care process.
• Participates in continuing education and professional development to stay current with best practices in behavioral health and therapy techniques.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Health or related field required.
• 1-2 years of experience in a behavioral health or clinical setting required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of child development, behavior management, and therapeutic techniques (if working with children).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage patients and families effectively.
• Proficiency in behavioral assessment and intervention planning.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Compassion, empathy, and patience when working with diverse patient populations.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in maintaining patient records.

Licenses and Certifications

• De-escalation training certification within 30 days of hire required.
• BCLS – Basic Life Support required.
• CCLS – Certified Child Life Specialist preferred.