Child Life Specialist-Casual

Assesses, educates, prepares, and supports patients and families in the healthcare system. Provides emotionally safe care using age-appropriate preparation for medical procedures, pain management and coping strategies, and play and self-expression activities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Identifies and advocates for the needs of patients and families within the healthcare system and/or community. Supports patients and families in adjusting to injury, diagnosis, acute or chronic illness, or disability.

• Develops age-appropriate strategies to minimize trauma and increase understanding of a medical diagnosis through treatment plans using therapeutic play, education, preparation, and activities that promote growth and development. Evaluates effectiveness of child life interventions, and alters interventions based upon ongoing assessment and results.

• Implements appropriate intervention strategies and styles for individual patients/families to accomplish goals. Promotes and supports pain management, utilizing variety of coping strategies tailored to the needs of the child. Reviews and revises goals as appropriate.

• Conducts post-procedural assessments and/or interventions, and adapts care and advocacy as needed.

• Documents services and/or interventions provided; follows up on referrals in a timely manner; reports suspicions of abuse and neglect as mandated for investigation.

• Writes concise, objective, and accurate clinical notes, documenting pertinent information including patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the medical record.

• Seeks opportunities for involvement in evidence-based care/professional networking and maintains designated knowledge level. Remains current in professional field and utilizes best practice and/or evidenced-based practice to ensure high level of care.

• Partners with providers, nurses, social workers, and others to meet the unique emotional, developmental, and cultural needs of each child and family. Participates in patient care conferences and/or rounds.

• Collects and records data as requested by child life supervisor with regard to patient metrics or productivity.

• Attends monthly departmental staff meetings according to attendance policy set forth by Child Life Supervisor.

• Participates in quality improvement activities through staff meetings, committees, continuing educational and professional activities.

• Provides patient care and education according to the patient population served.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to apply knowledge of normal growth and development of children and issues for hospitalized children at each developmental level.

• Ability to communicate concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to apply knowledge of normal growth and development of children and adolescents (ages birth – 18) to minimize stress and anxiety of the healthcare environment. Ability to apply child development knowledge to supply patient care areas with appropriate toys that also meet infection control standards.

• Ability to provide information to staff and caregivers about child development and issues that might affect how the child copes with medical care.

• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, or closely related field of study, which includes course requirements as set forth by the Association of Child Life Professionals required.

• Certification by the Child Life Certifying Commission, CCLS (Certified Child Life Specialist), OR obtain child life certification within 12 months of transfer or hire date, and continue to maintain thereafter required.

• Prior working knowledge of using computer programs and electronic medical records required.

• CPR (BLS) certified required.

Diversity is more than a commitment at Boys Town—it is the foundation of who we are and what we do.

At Boys Town, we cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results.

About Boys Town:

Boys Town has been changing the way America cares for children and families since 1917. With over a century of service, our employees have helped us grow from a small boardinghouse in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, into one of the largest national child and family care organizations in the country. With the addition of Boys Town National Research Hospital in 1977, our services branched out into the health care and research fields, offering even more career opportunities to those looking to make a real difference.

Our employees are our #1 supporters when it comes to achieving Boys Town's mission, which is why we are proud of their commitment to making the world a better place for children, families, patients, and communities. Unique perks to Boys Town employees and their families include free visits to Boys Town physicians and free prescriptions under the Boys Town Medical Plan, tuition assistance, parenting resources from our experts and professional development opportunities within the organization, just to name a few. Working at Boys Town is more than just a job, it is a way of life.

This advertisement describes the general nature of work to be performed and does not include an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, or abilities required. Boys Town is an equal employment opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To request a disability-related accommodation in the application process, contact us at 1-877-639-6003.