Child Life Specialist NE

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 lifeteamand 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, reducefearsand 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 ispositiveand communication is clear between all team members. You will be supported by leadership and encouraged in your professional development.

A caregiver in this positionworks7:00am—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 provideappropriate 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 emotionallevel.

• Assistpatients 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 ofhospitalsystem and resources.

• Participate in psychosocial, interdisciplinary, and/or departmental team meetings andcommunicatesdevelopmentaland psychosocial needs of children.

• Organize and manage dedicated events, special guests, supportgroupsand other regularly scheduled events.

• Participate in the orientation, direction, and development of Children's Hospital volunteers.

• Supervise Practicum/Internship students asa CertifiedChild Life Specialist.

• Manage play materials, supplies, and equipment for playrooms by assuming responsibility for its cleanliness and storage;maintainsinventory of both donated andpurchasedgoods.

• Represent the Child Life program inappropriate ChildrenHospital's committees.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include: 

• Bachelor'sDegree inChildLife or child development related field

• Must have completed an approved Child Life Internship, at least600hours, 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 andmaintaincertification throughout their employment

• Must sit for exam at least annually until certificationobtained

• An extension may be granted byChildLife Manager underappropriate circumstances

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Crosswithin one year of hire

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include: 

• Two years and4000 hoursof professional Child Life clinical experience in a hospital setting