Child Life Specialist - Child Life

Position Overview

Under the general direction of the Manager, the Child Life Specialist is responsible for: 

• Assessing response to hospitalization and illness.
• Facilitating coping with healthcare experiences.
• Supporting continued growth and development of the child while hospitalized through group and individual programming.
• Providing psychological preparation for medical procedures and treatments; providing education about specific diseases in age appropriate language; advocating for children/families’ psychosocial needs.
• Educating multidisciplinary team members about the developmental and emotional impact of hospitalization and stress on children; and supervising Child Life interns, students and volunteers.
• The Child Life Specialist conducts themselves in a professional manner, adhering to the principles of Family Centered Care.

Experience

• Previous Child Life experience working in a healthcare setting required.
• Competence in the following areas is required: growth and development, play and family dynamics, interventions to support coping, interpersonal communication skills, observation and assessment skills in reactions of children and families to hospitalization and illness and a basic understanding of children’s illnesses.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Bachelor’s level degree or entry-to-practice academic credential in a related field with course work in Child Life, Child Psychology, Child/Adolescent Development, Child and Family Social Sciences, or Education.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Certified Child Life Specialist required; must be eligible for certification with Child Life Council.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training requirements for this position shall be in accordance with the Employer policy.

Qualifications and Skills

• Preference will be given to those applicants competent in an Indigenous language and/or knowledge in Indigenous customs, traditions and values.
• Medical Terminology - Incumbent is responsible for acquiring appropriate knowledge of terms, disease entities, medical/surgical procedures, tests and protocols specific to their programming.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

Physical Requirements

• Physical demands may include crouching, stretching, kneeling, outdoor (playdeck) activities and lifting and holding children as well as pushing and pulling wheelchairs and beds.
• Must be able to work with children from infants to teens.