Sr Child Life Specialist- Child Life Program

At Cooper University Health Care, our commitment to providing extraordinary health care begins with our team. Our extraordinary professionals are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhanced access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies and research protocols. We have a commitment to our employees to provide competitive rates and compensation programs. Cooper offers full and part-time employees a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement. We also provide attractive working conditions and opportunities for career growth through professional development.

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The Sr. Child Life Specialist will assess the psychosocial needs of patients and their families to offer and implement supportive, therapeutic interventions such as preparation for health care encounters, procedural support and coping strategies, and opportunities for various types of play. The Sr. Child Life Specialist will be an advocate for pediatric patients and visitors and serve as a resource for other hospital staff in areas of child development, family-centered care, trauma-informed care, age appropriate and developmentally appropriate interactions, and bereavement support.  The Sr. Child Life Specialist will be a resource for other staff within the department, using professional expertise to offer support and guidance. 

Responsibilities

• Provides Child Life services in pediatric units as assigned and in other units as consulted
• Assesses psychosocial and developmental needs of patients/families and implements or adapts services and goals as needed
• Utilizes therapeutic interventions such as psychological preparation, procedural support, therapeutic play, medical play, bereavement support, etc. to facilitate coping with hospitalization
• Provides developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed education and emotional support for children about health care encounters, the hospital environment, new diagnoses or injuries, grief, etc.
• Documents interventions and services in a timely manner within the patient’s electronic health record
• Works as part of the multi-disciplinary team to communicate, collaborate, educate, and advocate for patient- and family-centered care
• Delegates appropriate duties to Activities Assistants and volunteers, supervises practicum students as assigned
• Co-coordinates monthly education opportunities for staff, mentors new staff throughout the orientation period, assists with the annual department competency process
• Actively participates in a hospital-based committee or organizational initiative to represent the psychosocial perspective and promote the growth and development of the Child Life Program 

Minimum of 5 years of experience required

Bachelor’s Degree required.

Master’s Degree required in child life or other closely related field

10+ years of experience as a Child Life Specialist acceptable in lieu of Master’s Degree

Certified Child Life Specialist required.

Communication – Ability to communicate with patients, visitors and coworkers required.

CPR-BLS preferred.

full time, 40 hours a week