Child Life Specialist, Part-time, .5FTE

Children's Wisconsin; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Wisconsin, a nationally recognized health system dedicated to the health and well-being of children, seeks a Child Life Specialist to support psychosocial needs of patients and families in a hospital setting. The CLS uses play, preparation, procedural support and education to help families cope with hospitalization.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in child life or related field, internship experiences, and CPR/BLS certification, with certification or progress toward

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in child life, child development or related field.
• Completion of a 600 hour internship experience.
• Experience working with children in a healthcare setting is required; Master level internship preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychosocial support to children and families through play, preparation, procedural support and education.
• Continuously assess patient care needs during hospitalization and adapt interventions accordingly.
• Collaborate with health care team to deliver developmentally appropriate care and family education.

Skills

CPR (BLS)

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in child life or related field

600 hour internship experience

Job description

At Children's Wisconsin, we believe kids deserve the best.

Children's Wisconsin is a nationally recognized health system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. We provide primary care, specialty care, urgent care, emergency care, community health services, foster and adoption services, child and family counseling, child advocacy services and family resource centers. Our reputation draws patients and families from around the country.

Position Summary

The Child Life Specialist (CLS) is an essential member of the health care team, supporting the psychosocial needs of the child and family. Through play, preparation, procedural support and education a CLS helps children and families to cope with the stress and trauma often associated with a hospitalization. Using an evidence-based approach to clinical practice, a CLS is responsible for providing ongoing assessment of patient care for the duration of the healthcare experience.

Position Requirements

• Understanding of child life, child growth and development, child psychology and family dynamics acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree in child life, child development or related field. Completion of a 600 hour internship experience and one year of experience working with children in a health care setting required.
• Completion of a second internship experience as required through a Master's program preferred.
• Current CPR certification - Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
• Certified Child Life Specialist credentials or able to complete within first year of employment
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served; knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written communication. This includes: assessment, evaluation and provision of accurate and timely handoff of child and family information with members of the healthcare team.
• Analytical skills to observe and assess behaviors in order to direct appropriate therapeutic play programming and interventions in support of the individual child/family.

Children's Wisconsin is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We treat everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness. We do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status or condition protected by the law.

Certifications/Licenses

BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider - American Heart Association/American Red Cross/National Safety Council, CCLS-Certified Child Life Specialist - Association of Child Life Professionals