Child Life Specialist - Pediatric Hospital Services

Placements24; Sandton; Vor Ort; ZAR 420.000 - 600.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a Child Life Specialist to support pediatric patients and families in a hospital setting in Sandton, Gauteng. You will apply play therapy, developmentally appropriate education, and emotional support to ease procedures and hospitalization experiences.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, promote family-centered care, and advocate for patient rights, with on-site, full-time commitment in a state-of-the-art facility.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor’s degree in a child development or related field.
• ACLP certification or eligibility within an agreed timeframe.
• 1–2 years experience in a pediatric psychosocial role preferred.

Aufgaben

• Assess psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and families.
• Develop and implement individualized child life care plans.
• Prepare children for procedures using education, play, and demonstration.
• Provide emotional support and therapeutic play activities.
• Collaborate with doctors, nurses, social workers for coordinated care.
• Advocate for children’s rights and family-centered care.
• Manage program resources and participate in events.
• Document interactions and interventions accurately.

Kenntnisse

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Play therapy

Patient education

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in Child Development / Psychology / Child Life

ACLP certification (eligible to obtain)

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a leading pediatric hospital in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA , is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Child Life Specialist to enhance the psychosocial well‑being of children and adolescents during their hospital experience. This vital role focuses on helping young patients and their families cope with the challenges of illness, injury, and hospitalization. You will utilize specialized knowledge and skills to provide interventions that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain, promoting understanding and positive coping mechanisms. This involves preparing children for medical procedures through age‑appropriate explanations and play, providing emotional support, and advocating for their needs. The position requires a deep understanding of child development, play therapy, and the psychosocial impact of healthcare experiences. This role is based full‑time within the hospital setting in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA , offering a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in children's lives during difficult times.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and their families.
• Develop and implement individualized child life care plans to support coping and reduce stress.
• Prepare children for medical procedures and hospitalizations through education, play, and demonstration.
• Provide emotional support and therapeutic play activities to help children express feelings and process experiences.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team (doctors, nurses, social workers) to ensure coordinated patient care.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of children and families within the healthcare setting.
• Facilitate sibling support and family‑centered care initiatives.
• Manage and organize child life program resources, including toys, games, and art supplies.
• Participate in hospital events and outreach programs aimed at child and family well‑being.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions and interventions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Psychology, Child Life, or a related field.
• Certification from the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) or eligibility to obtain it within a specified timeframe.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working as a Child Life Specialist or in a closely related pediatric psychosocial role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development, coping mechanisms, and the impact of healthcare experiences on children.
• Proficiency in play‑based interventions, therapeutic communication, and patient education techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and empathy skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary hospital environment.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Must be willing to work full‑time on‑site in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA .
• CPR and First Aid certification required.

Benefits

• This full‑time position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund contributions.
• You will have the opportunity to work in a state‑of‑the‑art pediatric facility with a supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities are provided.
• This role in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA offers immense personal and professional satisfaction through direct impact on the lives of children facing medical challenges.