Child Life Specialist -Multiple positions in Omaha, NE

$2,000 Hiring Bonus + Relocation

Mon-Fri

Child Life Specialist requires successful completion of an internship which meets the standards set by the Association of Child Life Specialists required prior to hire. Those in the final stages of internship are encouraged to apply.

Learn how to become certified: https://www.childlife.org/certification/become-certified

At Children’s, the region’s only full-service pediatric healthcare center, our people make us the very best for kids. Come cultivate your passion, purpose and professional development in an environment of excellence and inclusion, where team members are supported and deeply valued. Opportunities for career growth abound as we grow our services and spaces, including the cutting-edge Hubbard Center for Children. Join our highly engaged, caring team - and join us in providing brighter, healthier tomorrows for the children we serve.

Opportunities available:

Adaptive Care

Focus on patients that need or have an Adaptive Care Plan. Provide a therapeutic, educational and recreational program for patients. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities which promote normal growth and development, and support the psychosocial needs of the patient and their families throughout the course of their testing/treatment or hospitalization.

Facility Dog Handler – Behavioral Health & Wellness Center

This position provides a comprehensive animal assisted therapy facility dog program that supports the emotional, developmental, and social needs of children in a health care setting. Provide opportunities for children to gain a sense of mastery, offering play and learning experiences, and encouraging family and peer interaction through animal assisted therapy.

Inpatient/Specialty Pediatric Clinic

Provide a therapeutic, educational, and recreational program for patients. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities which promote normal growth and development, in conjunction with supporting the psycho-social needs of patients and their families throughout the course of their testing/treatment or hospitalization.

Essential Functions

• Provides preparation and support to patients undergoing medical procedures and treatments through pre-procedural teaching and assesses coping skills and adjustment to hospitalization, surgery and/or chronic illness on a daily basis.
• Uses formal and informal assessment techniques to accurately determine patient’s developmental and emotional states.
• Uses developmentally appropriate and medically accurate teaching aids and techniques to increase knowledge and support emotional needs.
• Advocates for the needs of patients and families by communicating important information with the appropriate health care professionals.
• Writes concise, objective, and accurate clinical notes, documenting pertinent information in a timely manner.
• Facilitates interaction with patients, siblings, and parents.
• Recognizes and addresses the importance of therapeutic play in facilitating child’s mastery of and coping with the health care experience.
• Incorporates family’s involvement into their child’s care, identifies family needs and views.
• Communicates with patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems and cultural background.
• Actively advocates patient needs to medical team members and ancillary services. Seeks appropriate/alternative approaches to care which may minimize the impact of the healthcare experience.
• Communicates concisely with other professionals, integrating theory and evidence based practice to obtain and share pertinent information.
• Demonstrates respect for the viewpoints of other professionals.
• Coordinates child life services with families and professionals.
• Promotes child life within own department/area using creative ways and approaches with staff and families.
• Coordinates and participates in educational programs that explain Child Life Services.
• Actively participates in the New Employee Orientation of new hires.
• Coordinates school re-entry programs or support groups as needed.
• Actively involved in providing a safe learning environment for our intern and practicum students.
• Participates in the volunteer program and assists in modifying the process as needed.
• Coordinates outreach programs, pre-op preparation education and/or support groups.
• Recognizes verbal and nonverbal cues and adapts teaching accordingly.
• Assesses knowledge, misconceptions, previous experiences and unique socio- cultural learning needs.
• Provides educational information to various groups within the hospital and community when relevant.
• Maintains play area in a safe, orderly, and child friendly condition and ensures that toys are appropriately cleaned and kept in good condition.
• Follows Infection Control and safety procedures and policies.
• Maintains playroom in a safe and orderly manner.
• Toys are maintained and cleaned using an approved cleaner.
• Assures availability of toys for various age ranges and developmental levels.
• Maintains current knowledge regarding development, trends, and techniques in Child Life.
• Incorporates Child Life trends and best practices into care delivery.
• Identifies resources and opportunities for professional development.

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field required

Experience Qualifications

• Successful completion of an internship which meets the standards set by the Association of Child Life Specialists required
• Clinical internship (minimum of 600 hours under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist) required.
• Previous experience in a hospital setting as a Child Life Specialist preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Requires experience with healthy children and hospitalized children generally acquired through field experience and a Child Life internship which meets the standards set by the Association of Child Life Professionals
• Possesses interpersonal skills which enable the individual to establish professional rapport with patients and families, and possesses assertive skills necessary to advocate effectively for patients and families.

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Child Life Specialist within 2 Years Required and
• Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association Upon Hire Required

Children's is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer including veterans and people with disabilities.