Child Life Specialist

All the benefits and perks you need for you and your family:

• Benefits from Day One
• Paid Days Off from Day One
• Debt-free Education* (Certifications and Degrees without out-of-pocket tuition expense)

Our promise to you:

Joining AdventHealth is about being part of something bigger. It's about belonging to a community that believes in the wholeness of each person, and serves to uplift others in body, mind and spirit. AdventHealth is a place where you can thrive professionally, and grow spiritually, by Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. Where you will be valued for who you are and the unique experiences you bring to our purpose-minded team. All while understanding that together we are even better.

Schedule: Full Time

Shift: Four 10-hour shifts, 12pm -1030pm

The community you'll be caring for:

• Established in 1997 and now a 203-bed hospital
• AdventHealth Celebration Health was designed as a Mediterranean resort-style facility to serve as a cornerstone of health in Disney's planned community of Celebration, Florida
• The hospital consistently delivers a state-of-the-art healing environment to residents of Osceola, Orange, Polk and Lake Counties, as well as to visitors from across the United States and the world. All within a 'living laboratory' of groundbreaking, research-driven clinical solutions that integrate mind, body, and spirit in the defeat of illness and disease

The role you'll contribute: 

The Child Life Specialist is a professional in healthcare who works with children and families to help minimize stress/anxiety and maximize positive coping throughout the healthcare experience. The Child Life Specialist focuses on the psychosocial development of children, provides emotional support and developmentally appropriate information to increase understanding and coping with medical procedures, diagnosis, pain management, bereavement and other healthcare related experiences. The Child Life Specialist also addresses the needs of siblings or other children affected by a patient's illness/diagnosis. The Child Life Specialist utilizes play and self-expressive activities as primary resources to minimize the stress and anxiety patients and families may face during a healthcare experience. The Child Life Specialist collaborates with the multidisciplinary team and peers to identify optimal care plans for patients and families and receives direct supervision by CCLS II's and above.  The Child Life Specialist actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.

The value you'll bring to the team:

• Assess the developmental needs and risk factors of infants-young adults and provide resources appropriate to promote positive coping skills and diversional needs while establishing therapeutic relationships. 
• Utilize researched based best practice methods and modalities of preparing pediatric patients for stressful healthcare experiences and procedures.
• Provide emotional support to assist with patient/family coping and utilize stress reduction techniques to facilitate positive coping during procedures and throughout the healthcare experience.  
• Utilize play as a primary resource for patients/siblings to enhance coping, promote opportunities for mastery/control and socialization while utilizing all technology and innovative resources available.
• Receive referrals from interdisciplinary staff to assist with coping and adjustment of patients with acute and chronic illnesses.
• Provide support at end of life for siblings and family members of pediatric patients including but not limited to age-appropriate education, memory making, and room visits.
• Assist healthcare team in de-escalation interventions and plans of care for pediatric patients and those with developmental delays or sensory concerns.
• Act as a primary unit resource for STAR (Sensory Tactile Auditory Rockstars) patients and provides appropriate environment enhancements, coping tools, and education for staff as needed.
• Directly oversees an assigned unit/area and communicates and coordinates with multidisciplinary team to determine appropriate plans of care for patients.
• Assist special event coordinator with special events for pediatric patients including planning and facilitating events, set up and clean up, and escorting patients and siblings to events.
• Assist donation coordinator with the collection, organization, and disbursement of community donations.
• Maintain appropriate inventory or toys, games, activities, and supplies for treatment room, playroom, and designated unit. Submit needs to Child Life leadership as needed and submit supply orders quarterly.
• Assist with coordination and facilitation of hospital-related community and special events and stay up to date on developments in Child Life practices and programs by engaging in continuous learning opportunities.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Child Life peers and members of the healthcare team while supporting department changes as a result of process improvements.

The expertise and experiences you'll need to succeed:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in child Life, Education, Recreation Therapy, Child Development, Psychology or related field
• Child life internship must be completed by date of hire
• Must obtain Child Life certification within one year of employment

CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:

• Must become certified as a Child Life Specialist within one year of hiring date.