Child Life Specialist

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Identifies and advocates for the needs of patients and families within the healthcare system and/or community. Supports patients and families in adjusting to injury, diagnosis, acute or chronic illness, or disability.

• Develops age-appropriate strategies to minimize trauma and increase understanding of a medical diagnosis through treatment plans using therapeutic play, education, preparation, and activities that promote growth and development. Evaluates effectiveness of child life interventions, and alters interventions based upon ongoing assessment and results.

• Implements appropriate intervention strategies and styles for individual patients/families to accomplish goals. Promotes and supports pain management, utilizing variety of coping strategies tailored to the needs of the child. Reviews and revises goals as appropriate.

• Conducts post-procedural assessments and/or interventions, and adapts care and advocacy as needed.

• Documents services and/or interventions provided; follows up on referrals in a timely manner; reports suspicions of abuse and neglect as mandated for investigation.

• Writes concise, objective, and accurate clinical notes, documenting pertinent information including patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the medical record.

• Seeks opportunities for involvement in evidence-based care/professional networking and maintains designated knowledge level. Remains current in professional field and utilizes best practice and/or evidenced-based practice to ensure high level of care.

• Partners with providers, nurses, social workers, and others to meet the unique emotional, developmental, and cultural needs of each child and family. Participates in patient care conferences and/or rounds.

• Collects and records data as requested by child life supervisor with regard to patient metrics or productivity.

• Attends monthly departmental staff meetings according to attendance policy set forth by Child Life Supervisor.

• Participates in quality improvement activities through staff meetings, committees, continuing educational and professional activities.

• Provides patient care and education according to the patient population served.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to apply knowledge of normal growth and development of children and issues for hospitalized children at each developmental level.

• Ability to communicate concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to apply knowledge of normal growth and development of children and adolescents (ages birth 18) to minimize stress and anxiety of the healthcare environment. Ability to apply child development knowledge to supply patient care areas with appropriate toys that also meet infection control standards.

• Ability to provide information to staff and caregivers about child development and issues that might affect how the child copes with medical care.

• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, or closely related field of study, which includes course requirements as set forth by the Association of Child Life Professionals required.

• Certification by the Child Life Certifying Commission, CCLS (Certified Child Life Specialist), OR obtain child life certification within 12 months of transfer or hire date, and continue to maintain thereafter required.

• Prior working knowledge of using computer programs and electronic medical records required.

• CPR (BLS) certified required.

• Other Duties: This job description incorporates the essential functions and duties required for this position. However, other duties may be required and assigned at times and as determined by a supervisor in order to meet the needs of the organization.

• Serves as a role model in carrying out activities and behaviors that reflect the values and principles of the Boys Town mission.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, EQUIPMENT USAGE, WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Position is relatively sedentary in a normal office administrative environment involving minimum exposure to physical risks. Occasionally having to exert up to 50 pounds of force. Will use office equipment such as a computer/laptop, monitor, keyboard, and a general workstation set-up.

Diversity is more than a commitment at Boys Townit is the foundation of who we are and what we do.

At Boys Town, we cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results.

About Boys Town:

Boys Town has been changing the way America cares for children and families since 1917. With over a century of service, our employees have helped us grow from a small boardinghouse in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, into one of the largest national child and family care organizations in the country. With the addition of Boys Town National Research Hospital in 1977, our services branched out into the health care and research fields, offering even more career opportunities to those looking to make a real difference.

Our employees are our #1 supporters when it comes to achieving Boys Town's mission, which is why we are proud of their commitment to making the world a better place for children, families, patients, and communities. A unique feature for employees and their dependents enrolled in medical benefits are reduced to no cost visits for services performed by a Boys Town provider at a Boys Town location. Additional costs savings for the employee and their dependents are found in our pharmacy benefits with low to zero-dollar co-pays on certain maintenance drugs. Boys Town takes your mental health seriously with no cost mental health visits to an in-network provider. We help our employees prepare for retirement with a generous match on their 401K or 401K Roth account. Additional benefits include tuition assistance, parenting resources from our experts and professional development opportunities within the organization, just to name a few. Working at Boys Town is more than just a job, it is a way of life.

This advertisement describes the general nature of work to be performed and does not include an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, or abilities required. Boys Town is an equal employment opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To request a disability-related accommodation in the application process, contact us at 1-877-639-6003.