Child Life Specialist

Full-time Day Shift, Tuesday – Friday (10am-8pm) – Mainly supporting our Emergency Department

MUST have completed 600 hours of Child Life Internship and ready to take exam
OR

Obtained Certification in Child Life and/or Therapeutic Recreation (CCLS/CTRS) within one year of hire date (must have already taken exam)

SUMMARY:

The Child Life Specialist (CLS) demonstrates competence in supporting pediatric patients and family members of patients with medical and psychosocial needs. The CLS contributes to the advancement of safe quality child life practices. Child life professionals help children and their families navigate the emotionally and physically demanding process of coping with illness, injury, disability, trauma and hospitalization.  Responsible for the design and implementation of pediatric programs, therapies, and activities among young patients. Works with families to assist in caring for childhood hospitalizations or disabilities. Monitors child development to ensure normal progression. Provides in-depth care as needed to more urgent cases. Child Life Specialists (CLS) are trained healthcare professionals who work with children and their families helping them cope with the challenges of hospitalization, surgery, illness and disability. They focus on the psychosocial development of children under stress while encouraging valuable coping strategies for them and their families as well. Mainly supporting our Emergency Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides competent child life services to patients, family members, including developmentally-appropriate therapeutic activities, education, procedural preparation, coping facilitation, and support as it is required related to their illness and medical treatment.
• Assesses, individualizes and evaluates plan of care based on family/patient physical, developmental, emotional and recreational needs.
• Communicates plan to interdisciplinary team members and family.
• Collaborates with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to provide optimal care and services. 
• Demonstrates compliance with patient care documentation standards, providing support to newer staff regarding documentation practices as needed.
• Provides training, supervision, and feedback for volunteers. 
• Manages department resources specific to assigned clinical unit.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Child Life, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation or closely related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Completion of 600-hours of Child Life Internship REQUIRED.  Ready to sit for exam..
• Minimum of two years of experience working with children; preferably in a healthcare setting.
• Certification in Child Life and/or Therapeutic Recreation (CCLS/CTRS) within one year of hire date.

• Experience as a paid Child Life Specialist and/or Recreation Therapist preferred.

Benefits At A Glance:

PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH offers the following benefits to employees:

• 100% Tuition Assistance at The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Shift, Weekend and On-Call Differentials
• Health, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account with Company Matching
• Child Care Subsidies
• Onsite Gym and Fitness Classes

Apply online at https://lghealth.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LGHealth_Career/job/Lancaster-General-Hospital/Child-Life-Specialist_REQ-0039042

PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.