Child Life Specialist (Pool)

Orlando Health; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Orlando is seeking a Child Life Specialist to support children and families through challenging healthcare experiences. The role involves providing therapeutic interventions, educational support, and ensuring a child-friendly environment. Ideal candidates will have a relevant bachelor's degree and certification as a Child Life Specialist. Join a dedicated team committed to compassionate care and optimal patient experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and completion of a child life internship required.
• Must maintain certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or be eligible within the first year.

Responsibilities

• Provides therapeutic interventions for patients and families using developmental theory.
• Demonstrates knowledge to provide clinical support and education to all age groups.
• Creates a safe environment for therapeutic play and coping strategies.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Assessment Techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Child Life

Bachelor’s degree in Child Development

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

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Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

Providing compassionate care to the children, teenagers and young adults of Central Florida for more than 30 years, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is located on the downtown Orlando campus and includes 156 licensed beds for specialized care for children as well as the Bert Martin’s Champions for Children Emergency Department & Trauma Center, offering trauma care for children as the pediatric site of the Orlando Health ORMC Level One Trauma Center. State-of-the-art pediatric services are provided by a comprehensive staff that includes pediatric subspecialty physicians and a nursing team that is “Magnet” recognized for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care. The hospital also has earned national recognition for 12 consecutive years as a “Best Children’s Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report and was included, together with Orlando Health ORMC, in the IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals list for 2021.

Position Summary

Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is seeking a Child Life Specialist. The Child Life Specialist assesses and provides therapeutically supportive interventions for patients and families by utilizing theories of human growth and development, family systems, and biopsychosocial models as outlined by child life professional standards of practice. The focus is on helping children and adolescents master challenging life events through promotion of play, education, and preparation throughout the healthcare experience.

Shift: Varies. Pool

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide clinical support/education to patients and families of all age groups.
• Uses assessment techniques to determine patients’ developmental and emotional status, and documents as indicated.
• Verbalizes developmental theory to support assessments and interventions with patients and families.
• Uses resources to accommodate cultural and communication/language needs to provide comprehensive care.
• Provides age-appropriate, non-pharmacological pain management techniques to optimize outcomes.
• Uses developmentally appropriate teaching strategies to support patients prior to, during, and after invasive procedures and surgeries.
• Provides parental guidance regarding the impact of illness, hospitalization, treatment, and bereavement.
• Determines and prioritizes the needs for child life services for each patient and family, including siblings.
• Provides direction to Child Life Assistants and Volunteers related to patient care activities.
• Creates a therapeutic and safe environment for individuals and groups aged 0-21, utilizing therapeutic play to facilitate coping.
• Ensures safety and child-friendly environments within play spaces.
• Adheres to hospital policies on confidentiality and infection control.
• Participates in community programs and provides input for staff, student, and volunteer training.
• Acts as a liaison with community partners to facilitate meaningful interactions.
• Contributes to post-event assessments to improve patient experience.

Other Related Functions

• Uses resources efficiently and participates in hospital committees and initiatives.

Qualifications

Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Therapeutic Recreation, Family and Child Studies, or related field. Successful completion of a child life internship.

Licensure/Certification: Must maintain certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or be eligible to sit for the exam and complete it within the first year of employment. Current BLS/Healthcare Provider certification required.

Experience: None required.