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La Rabida Children’s Hospital is hiring a Child Life Specialist for the inpatient unit in Chicago, IL
The Child Life team covers seven (7) days per week. Some weekend shifts will be required
The Child Life team covers seven (7) days per week. Some weekend shifts will be required
At La Rabida Children’s Hospital, our mission is simple: We’re dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life for each of our patients with complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illnesses. The path to completing this mission, however, is often complicated. Fortunately, we’ve got the best team around. If you are looking for your next career opportunity to partner with a compassionate multidisciplinary collaborative team, we have the job for you!
Job Summary:
La Rabida is currently hiring a Child Life Specialist to join our inpatient team in Chicago, IL. We are a small children’s acute care hospital focused on treating complex medical conditions, chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities, and abuse and trauma. We are focused on providing exceptional care to children while helping families face unique challenges.
The Child Life Specialist is a member of a self-directed team that is responsible for providing daily (7 days per week) programming and recreational activities for the inpatient unit, as well as a variety of special events and seasonal activities. He/she provides appropriate psycho-social and emotional support /activities to help the patient and family cope with the hospitalization and adjust to their illness /disability. He/she provides procedural support to both inpatients and outpatients. He/she also provides a “safe” / non-medical environment for the children, protected from intrusions.
Essential Child Life Specialist Functions:
Job Summary:
La Rabida is currently hiring a Child Life Specialist to join our inpatient team in Chicago, IL. We are a small children’s acute care hospital focused on treating complex medical conditions, chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities, and abuse and trauma. We are focused on providing exceptional care to children while helping families face unique challenges.
The Child Life Specialist is a member of a self-directed team that is responsible for providing daily (7 days per week) programming and recreational activities for the inpatient unit, as well as a variety of special events and seasonal activities. He/she provides appropriate psycho-social and emotional support /activities to help the patient and family cope with the hospitalization and adjust to their illness /disability. He/she provides procedural support to both inpatients and outpatients. He/she also provides a “safe” / non-medical environment for the children, protected from intrusions.
Essential Child Life Specialist Functions:
- Provide procedural support to inpatient unit, outpatient clinics, acute care clinic, laboratory, radiology, etc. as staffing permits. Priority is given to the inpatient unit.
- Consultation and teaching staff in various areas regarding appropriate supplies, environment, and techniques for maintaining a calm environment for the patient.
- Facilitate daily play groups for inpatients who can come to the pavilion.
- Provide a variety of group activities vs. 1: 1 activity based on the child’s presentation.
- Provide daily activities and bedside visits for patients who cannot leave the unit.
- Ensure that all patients have developmentally appropriate toys and materials in their rooms.
- Provide activities /groups on the unit, e.g., Halloween party, bedside visits from the Pet Therapy troop, music, etc.
- Operate the inpatient movie system.
- Welcome new patients and their families to the hospital.
- Include families where possible /model appropriate developmental activities.
- Enlist appropriate outside entertainers for patients.
- Facilitate the release of feelings through art, crafts, music, cooking, scrapbooking, etc.
- Medical play
- Bereavement support (foot /hand molds, memory books, etc.)
- Provide support /activities for family.
- Represent the team at FCRs (family-centered rounds)
- Attend rehab staffing.
- Frequent discussions with nursing and other hospital staff regarding patients’ needs /concerns.
- Collaborate with other disciplines regarding optimal programming, e.g., activities while on prone-cart post-surgery, etc.
- Help the team work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
- Meet regularly to address problems as well as program planning.
- Plan activities, programs, and special events.
- Communicate clearly, respectfully, and promptly with the team.
- Orientation, training, and supervision of Child Life and Literacy volunteers
- Orientation, training, and supervision of Child Life students and registry staff.
- Orientation, training, and supervision of outside entertainers.
- Orientation to nursing staff and other hospital staff.
- Participate in the literacy program, including the ordering and distribution of books.
- Work with Development and PR on various seasonal activities, e.g., Thanksgiving, Easter, etc.
- Assist and coordinate with outside visitors to plan appropriate activities and donations.
- Provide in-services and orientations to hospital staff and community groups.
- Keep yourself up to date through conferences, reading, and networking activities.
- Provide in-services /share ideas with colleagues post attending any conference.
What we need from you:
- Bachelor’s degree in Child Life Development, infant development, or Therapeutic Recreation (children), or completion of course work pending graduation.
- Child-Life Certification is preferred.
- Hospital experience is preferred.
- CPR certification required. Only certifications issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association will be accepted.
What you will receive:
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Pet Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plans & Matching
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays
- Free Parking
- Free breakfast and lunch on the last Friday of every month
