Child Life Specialist jobs in Cleveland, OH

Responsibilities:

• Assesses the developmental, social and physical needs of an assigned pediatric population and provides appropriate interventions, such as preparations and therapeutic play.
• Assesses and documents patient's developmental level, emotional state, understanding of hospitalization and procedures using informal assessment techniques throughout the hospital stay.
• Provides education, preparation and therapeutic intervention for medical events to help children and families cope based on developmental and emotional level.
• Assists patients and families with relaxation techniques to decrease stress, increase coping skills, and cooperation during tests and procedures.
• Provides diversional activities in the playroom/activity room and bedside based on individual capabilities and needs.
• Provides education and information to enhance parental understanding of hospital system and resources.
• Participates in psychosocial, interdisciplinary and/or departmental team meetings and communicate developmental and psychosocial needs of children.
• Organizes and manages special events, special guests, support groups and other regularly scheduled events.
• Participates in the orientation, direction and development of Children's Hospital volunteers.
• Supervises Practicum/Internship students in the capacity of a Certified Child Life Specialist.
• Manages play materials, supplies and equipment for playrooms by assuming responsibility for its cleanliness and storage; maintains inventory of both donated and purchased goods.
• Represents the Child Life program in appropriate Children Hospital's committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in child life or child development related field.

Certifications:

• Must have completed an approved Child Life Internship, minimum of 480 hours, under the direction of 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.
• Proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association (AHA) certification must be obtained within one year of hire.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of two years and 4000 hours of professional Child Life clinical experience in a hospital setting preferred.

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.