Description
The Child Life Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
- This individual works under the supervision of the Child Life manager. This position can cover a range of experience and expertise, from an entry level position to an advanced position.
Responsibilities:
- Understand human/child growth and development theory and practice
- Understand and utilize evidence-based practice concepts, including play, preparation and assessment
- Observe and assess the needs and concerns of children and families
- Prepare children and families for medical procedures and surgeries performed in specific units
- Provide activities and interventions to help children and families cope with medical situations and meet their developmental, emotional, and educational needs
- Facilitate group and individual interactions and interventions with children and families
- Manage unit-based volunteers
- Organize and manage special events, special guests, support groups and other regularly scheduled events
- Participate in psychosocial, interdisciplinary and/or departmental team meetings and communicate developmental and psychosocial needs of children
- Properly and accurately document and chart on child and family interventions
- Maintain professional competence by keeping abreast of research and evidence-based practices within the child life field
- Advocate for patients and families within the medical setting
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children, families, and staff
- Attend CLC conference and/or other pertinent conferences and events throughout the year
- Provide in-services for multidisciplinary department/unit staff and child life staff
- Actively participate in performance improvement projects and continued quality improvement activities
- Provide bereavement support to pediatric families and address consults from the adult units by facilitating preparation visits to those critical care units by pediatric visitors. This includes facilitating developmentally appropriate conversations and explanations regarding critical medical status of patient and equipment in the patient’s room
- Collaborate effectively with members of the service team to create a collaborative plan of care
- Ability to prioritize child life services based on susceptibility to stress and trauma
- Supervise/mentor practicum students and interns
- Manage work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time
Qualifications
Required:
- Child Life Professional Certification
- Earned a minimum bachelor’s or master’s degree, with an educational emphasis on human growth and development, education, psychology, or a related field of study.
- Ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
Preferred:
- One to two years of experience as a Child Life Specialist
- Additional languages (i.e. Spanish)
Equal Opportunity
Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
