Child Life Specialist

Overview

This position assesses and provides services in response to the identified psychosocial and developmental needs of children and their families. This position provides education and coping support to children and families to reduce stress and anxiety accompanying hospitalization and other aspects of healthcare. Responsible for training and working with Patient Activity Coordinators, Project Rise Hospitality Assistants, foster grandparents and volunteers in assigned areas. Responsible for facilitating an accredited Child Life Internship Program, a Child Life Practicum Program, and providing educational experiences for other health care professionals and learners. Responsible for completing other duties as assigned.

Click here to view and apply to our Child Life Specialist open positions

At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Services and Intervention: Generate positive behavioral, psychological, and physiological outcomes through individualized interventions with pediatric patients throughout diagnosis, treatment, transitions of care, loss, grief, and/or bereavement
• Assessment and Treatment Planning: Assess and prioritize children and families and develop comprehensive plans of care based on psychosocial risk and need.
• Practice Management: Represent, communicate, and teach child life services appropriately to other professionals, volunteers, students, and the community; work collaboratively with all parties as needed to achieve optimal outcomes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required and 1-2 years’ experience preferred or
• Master's Degree preferred
• Employees must be eligible to obtain Certified Child Life Specialist or equivalent within 365 days
• Infant Massage Instructor Certification Preferred
• Recreational Therapy Certification Preferred

Starting Pay

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $22.13/hr., but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.