Child Life Specialist I | FT Day | LeBonheur Child Life Health Services

If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!

We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.

Responsible for development, coordination and implementation of therapeutic, educational, and recreational Child Life Program for patients based on an understanding of normal development and the impact that illness, injury, disability, and hospitalization have on this process. Participates in the coordination of events; assumes responsibility for planning, implementing, and evaluating activities and interactions for patients and their families to support development, meet emotional needs, and provide diversion. Under direct supervision, actively manages the psychosocial experience of patients and families during the medical experience. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.

A Brief Overview
Responsible for development, coordination and implementation of therapeutic, educational, and recreational Child Life Program for patients based on an understanding of normal development and the impact that illness, injury, disability, and hospitalization have on this process. Participates in the coordination of events; assumes responsibility for planning, implementing, and evaluating activities and interactions for patients and their families to support development, meet emotional needs, and provide diversion. Under direct supervision, actively manages the psychosocial experience of patients and families during the medical experience. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

What you will do

• Assesses, develops, and implements appropriate individual treatment plans based on assessments of child's development, medical plan, and available support systems.
• Participates in interdisciplinary healthcare teams and provides consultation regarding the development status/individual needs of the child to promote adaptation to treatment.
• Facilitates a variety of play interventions which promote self-healing, self-expression, understanding and mastery. Provides support during procedures as requested.
• Provides clinical interactions in a manner supporting the tenets of patient and family centered care.
• Performs other job functions as assigned or requested.

Education/Formal Training Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Child Life
• Bachelor's Degree Child Development

Work Experience Requirements

• 0-1 years Child life internship
• Pediatric

Licenses and Certifications Requirements

• BASIC LIFE SUPPORT - American Heart Association
• Certified Child Life Specialist - Association of Child Life Professionals
• HEART SAVER - American Heart Association

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of children's reactions and coping mechanisms in hospitalization and illness.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to obtain the cooperation of patients and patient families.
• Skill and ability to role model professional skills and behaviors.
• Demonstrates competency in performing the essentials functions of the job.
• Demonstrates knowledge and application of patient and family centered care.
• Demonstrates collaborative orientation to working with patients and families.
• Ability to implement therapeutic play activities for individuals and group
• Ability to assess patient behavior.
• Ability to build and maintain cohesive teams.
• Ability to work rotating shifts.

Supervision Provided by this Position

• There are no supervisory or lead responsibilities assigned to this job , but they may guide and assist the Child Life Interns and Volunteers.

Physical Demands

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.

Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree: Child Development (Required), Bachelor's Degree: Child Life (Required)

Work Experience:

Child life internship, Pediatric

Certifications:

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT - American Heart Association, Certified Child Life Specialist - Association of Child Life Professionals, HEARTSAVER - American Heart Association

Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.