Child Life Specialist / Pre & Post Op

Children's Nebraska; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Nebraska seeks a Child Life Specialist to provide therapeutic support and developmentally appropriate activities for pediatric patients. The role involves collaborating with healthcare teams to address the psycho-social needs of children and families during medical procedures. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and complete an internship as per the Association of Child Life Specialists standards.

Qualifications

• Completion of an internship meeting the standards of the Association of Child Life Specialists.
• Minimum of 600 hours of clinical internship supervised by a Certified Child Life Specialist.
• Previous hospital experience as a Child Life Specialist is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic, educational, and recreational programs for patients.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities.
• Advocate for patient and family needs by communicating with healthcare professionals.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy

Therapeutic play

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field

Job description

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Job Description

Schedule: Mon-Fri 6:00 am - 2:30 pm

At Children’s, the region’s only full-service pediatric healthcare center, our people make us the very best for kids. Come cultivate your passion, purpose, and professional development in an environment of excellence and inclusion, where team members are supported and deeply valued. Opportunities for career growth abound as we grow our services and spaces, including the cutting-edge Hubbard Center for Children. Join our highly engaged, caring team—and join us in providing brighter, healthier tomorrows for the children we serve. Children's is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer including veterans and people with disabilities.

A Brief Overview

Provide a therapeutic, educational, and recreational program for patients. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that promote normal growth and development, supporting the psycho-social needs of patients and their families throughout testing, treatment, or hospitalization. Hours are aligned with typical patient needs in the assigned area as approved by the supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Provide preparation and support to patients undergoing medical procedures and treatments through pre-procedural teaching. Assess coping skills and adjustment to hospitalization, surgery, and/or chronic illness daily.
• Use assessment techniques to accurately determine patient’s developmental and emotional states.
• Use developmentally appropriate and medically accurate teaching aids and techniques to increase knowledge and support emotional needs.
• Advocate for patient and family needs by communicating important information with healthcare professionals.
• Write concise, objective, and accurate clinical notes, documenting pertinent information in a timely manner.
• Facilitate interaction with patients, siblings, and parents.
• Recognize and address the importance of therapeutic play in helping children cope with healthcare experiences.
• Incorporate family involvement into care, identifying family needs and perspectives.
• Communicate with patients and families considering theories of human growth, family systems, and cultural background.
• Advocate for patient needs to medical team members and seek alternative approaches to care to minimize healthcare impact.
• Communicate effectively with other professionals, integrating evidence-based practice.
• Respect viewpoints of other professionals.
• Coordinate child life services with families and healthcare teams.
• Promote child life within the department using creative methods with staff and families.
• Participate in educational programs explaining Child Life Services.
• Assist in onboarding new employees and coordinate school re-entry/support groups as needed.
• Support intern and practicum students in a safe learning environment.
• Participate in volunteer programs and outreach activities.
• Recognize verbal and nonverbal cues, adapting teaching accordingly.
• Assess knowledge, misconceptions, previous experiences, and socio-cultural learning needs.
• Provide educational information to hospital and community groups when relevant.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and child-friendly play area, ensuring toys are safe and sanitized.
• Follow infection control and safety procedures.
• Stay current with Child Life trends, integrating best practices into care.
• Identify resources for professional development.

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field from an accredited institution (Required).

Experience Qualifications

• Completion of an internship meeting the standards of the Association of Child Life Specialists (Required).
• Minimum of 600 hours of clinical internship supervised by a Certified Child Life Specialist (Required).
• Previous hospital experience as a Child Life Specialist is preferred.

Skills And Abilities

• Experience with healthy and hospitalized children, acquired through field experience and internships.
• Interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients and families, and assertiveness to advocate effectively.

Licenses and Certifications

• CCLS - Certified Child Life Specialist (within two years of hire, Required).
• BCLS - Basic Life Support through the American Heart Association (within 180 days, Required).

Children’s is the very best for kids and the very best for your career! At Children’s, we put YOU first so together, we can improve the life of every child!