Child Life Specialist - The Children's Hospital - OU Health

Position Title:

Department:

Job Description:

This position may be filled as a Child Life Specialist I, II, or III depending on individual qualifications, experience, and business need.

Under minimal direction, responsible for implementing therapeutic and educational interventions as well as activities which enhance the psychosocial support provided to patients and families.
 

Essential Responsibilities

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.

• Assesses and supports patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems, and cultural background.
• Designs and implement interventions that promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of children. 
• Utilizes health care play and developmentally appropriate activities, and educational materials to help children and families adjust to the hospital environment.
• Demonstrates, explains, and/or provides techniques to aid coping, matching technique, developmental and emotional state to stressor.
• Uses developmentally appropriate teaching aids and techniques to aid in understanding of hospitalization, diagnosis and/or treatment. 
• Serves as an expert to hospital staff on the assessment and psychosocial needs of children and their families.
• Provides a therapeutic and safe environment for individuals and groups.
• Supports onboarding new staff members during competencies.
• Serves as a preceptor to aspiring child life specialists. 
• Supports the training and delegation of tasks to unit volunteers.

General Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Recreational Therapy or a closely related field.  Completion of a recognized Child Life Internship which consists of at least 480 hours under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.

Experience Requirements

• 0-3 years of experience.

License/Certification/Registration Requirements

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) OR eligible to sit for the exam. CCLS required to be obtained within 1 year of hire. 
• Current Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association required within 30 days of hire. ​

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Requirements

• Must have knowledge of the theories of play, family systems, cultural awareness and human growth and development. 
• Must have effective oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team. 
• Skill in the supervision of students and volunteers. 
• Must have good interpersonal skills to develop effective working relationships and to deal with difficult family/individual dynamics.
• Knowledge of performance improvement tools and how to monitor an ongoing process. 
• Skill in planning programs and analyzing the problems that arise. 
• Good presentation skills for representing the Child Life, Integrative and Creative Care Department to internal and external audiences. 
• Computer skills and a general knowledge of office procedures.

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OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family.