The Child Life Specialist assesses the developmental and psychosocial needs of pediatric patients to provide therapeutic interventions and preparation for medical procedures. They also manage play activities, support families, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary surgery team to improve the overall patient experience.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Child Life or a related field and have completed an approved Child Life internship of at least 600 hours. Professional certification (CCLS) is required within one year of hire, along with Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
bachelor degreeprofessional certificateBasic Life SupportPediatric carePatient educationInventory managementPatient assessmentInterdisciplinary collaborationVolunteer managementDevelopmental assessmentChild life interventionsTherapeutic playCoping skills supportStress reduction techniques
Job description
At Cleveland Clinic Health System, we believe in a better future for healthcare.
And each of us is responsible for honoring our commitment to excellence, pushing the boundaries and transforming the patient experience, every day.
We all have the power to help, heal and change lives — beginning with our own.
That’s the power of the Cleveland Clinic Health System team, and The Power of Every One.
Job Title Child Life Specialist NE Location Mayfield Hts Facility Hillcrest Hospital Department Enterprise Child Life-Nursing Institute Job Code D2002W Shift Day/Evening/Night/Weekend Schedule 7:00am-7:30pm/10:30am-11:00pm Job Summary Job Details Join Cleveland Clinic and experience world-class healthcare at its best.
Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital is a proud Magnet Hospital awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice.
Here, you will work alongside a dedicated team of caregivers, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career.
As a Child Life Specialist, you will be working with patients and families to communicate with our interdisciplinary team, child life team and other patients/families.
This role is highly valued by the multidisciplinary surgery teams.
The role of child life is important for patients undergoing surgery and helps to improve their patient experience, reduce fears and increase coping.
Caregivers in this department professionally develop through group education opportunities and can attend national child-life conferences.
The work culture in this department is positive and communication is clear between all team members.
You will be supported by leadership and encouraged in your professional development.
A caregiver in this position works 7:00am—4:30pm or 8:00am—4:30pm.
A caregiver who excels in this role will: Assess the developmental, social, and physical needs of an assigned pediatric population and provide appropriate interventions, such as preparations and therapeutic play.
Assess and document patient's developmental level, emotional state, utilizes hospitalization and procedures using informal assessment techniques throughout the hospital stay.
Provide education, preparation, and therapeutic intervention for medical events to help children and families cope based on developmental and emotional level.
Benefits
Health insurance
Professional development
Group education opportunities
National child-life conferences
Assist patients and families with relaxation techniques to decrease stress, increase coping skills, and cooperation during tests and procedures.
Provide diversional activities in the playroom/activity room and bedside based on individual capabilities and needs.
Provide education and information to enhance parental understanding of hospital system and resources.
Participate in psychosocial, interdisciplinary, and/or departmental team meetings and communicates developmental and psychosocial needs of children.
Organize and manage dedicated events, special guests, support groups and other regularly scheduled events.
Participate in the orientation, direction, and development of Children's Hospital volunteers.
Supervise Practicum/Internship students as a Certified Child Life Specialist.
Manage play materials, supplies, and equipment for playrooms by assuming responsibility for its cleanliness and storage; maintains inventory of both donated and purchased goods.
Represent the Child Life program in appropriate Children Hospital's committees.
Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include: Bachelor's Degree in Child Life or child development related field Must have completed an approved Child Life Internship, at least 600 hours, directed by a Certified Child Life Specialist Child life specialists must have or earn professional certification (CCLS) through the Child Life Council within a year of appointment and maintain certification throughout their employment Must sit for exam at least annually until certification obtained An extension may be granted by Child Life Manager under appropriate circumstances Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross within one year of hire Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include: Two years and 4000 hours of professional Child Life clinical experience in a hospital setting Physical Requirements: Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patient, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination.
Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time.
Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
Requires working under stressful conditions and irregular hours.
Exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.
Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.
Personal Protective Equipment: Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required for procedures.
The policy of Cleveland Clinic Health System and its system hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Health System) is to provide equal opportunity to all of our caregivers and applicants for employment in our drug free environment.
All offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substances.
Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program.
You will be required to comply with this program, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination on an annual basis or obtaining an approved exemption.
Decisions concerning employment, transfers and promotions are made upon the basis of the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran or any other characteristic protected by law.
Information provided on this application may be shared with any Cleveland Clinic Health System facility.
If applying for a Florida position, please see the following website for more information on the background screening requirements required by the Agency of Health Care Administration: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ Please review the Equal Employment Opportunity poster.
Cleveland Clinic is pleased to be an equal employment opportunity employer.
We know that fully supporting our caregivers is what creates the best outcomes for our patients.
Our outstanding, comprehensive offerings are an investment in your health, well-being and future.
What began in Cleveland in 1921 has grown to include locations throughout, the U.S. and even other countries.
For you, that means more opportunities to learn, grow and serve patients — while finding caring, thriving communities both at work and at home.
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education.
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation.
Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States.
U.S.
News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey.
Among Cleveland Clinic’s 70,800 employees worldwide represent 140 medical specialties and subspecialties.
Cleveland Clinic is a 6,500-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 19 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, and locations in southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England.
