Child Life Specialist is responsible for the design and implementation of pediatric programs, therapies, and activities among young patients. Works with families to assist in caring for childhood hospitalizations or disabilities. Being a Child Life Specialist monitors child development to ensure normal progression. Provides in-depth care as needed to more urgent cases. Additionally, Child Life Specialist may require a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Child Life Specialist typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
Job Purpose
Provide comprehensive child life services for patients and their families to meet the emotional, developmental, and social needs of our patients and to promote effective understanding, coping, and adjustment to hospitalization, injury, and/or illness. |
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Duty |
Percent of Time |
Provides developmentally appropriate preparation for upcoming surgeries, medical procedures, and diagnostic testing to patients and families. |
15% |
Provides developmentally appropriate procedural support to patients and families including, but not limited to: psychological preparation, distraction, emotional support, and advocacy. |
20% |
Provides medical play sessions to promote patient desensitization, exploration, and mastery of medical equipment and medical themes. |
10% |
Provides therapeutic play and group activities to promote understanding of injury/illness, coping, and hospital adjustment, recognizing and adapting materials, education, and activities to meet the unique needs and abilities of patients served. |
30% |
Provides sibling support as need is assessed. |
10% |
Collaborates with interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive behavioral management recommendations when need is assessed. |
10% |
Other duties as assigned |
5% |
Qualifications
Education: |
Minimum of Bachelor Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. Completion of Child Life internship |
Experience: |
2 years working as a Certified Child Life Specialist preferred |
License/Certification/Credential: |
Certification as a Child Life Specialist through the Association for Child Life Professionals |
Our work begins where we are all equal - at the heart.
Bethany Children’s Health Center is an innovative leader in the field of pediatric rehabilitation and 24-hour complex care. The hospital offers inpatient and outpatient services for children (ages 0-21) and is the only inpatient pediatric rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma. Our CARF accredited multidisciplinary team works with patients and their families to maximize the patient’s physical and cognitive potential, and ensure the family has the training and resources needed for a smooth transition from hospital to home. In 2021, the hospital received accreditation from The Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), the nation’s original independent accreditation program recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This distinction confirms that Bethany Children’s Health Center is providing high quality patient care as determined by an external process of evaluation.
In order to maximize the potential of every child, we must maximize the potential of every employee. We are committed to providing staff with the physical, emotional, spiritual, financial and mental resources necessary to achieve their potential and meet our standards of excellence. BCHC offers competitive compensation, benefits, state-of-the-art equipment and wellness programs. Opportunities for professional growth include in-service training, leadership development, tuition reimbursement and scholarships.
**Due to the nature of our pediatric services, this organization’s positions are classified as safety-sensitive roles. Bethany Children’s Health Center may refuse to hire an applicant or discharge an employee in a safety-sensitive position, who tests positive for marijuana even if the applicant or employee holds a valid Oklahoma medical marijuana license.