Child Life Specialist - Temporary - Casual Days

The salary range for this position is $24.59 - $30.74 (Hourly Rate)

Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positions represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range is guided by the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section located at jobs.nm.org/benefits to learn more.

Northwestern Medicine is powered by a community of colleagues who are purpose-driven and committed to our mission to deliver world-class care. Here, you'll work alongside some of the best clinical talent in the nation leading the way in medical innovation and breakthrough research with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

We recognize where you've been, and we support where you're headed. We celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences, which fuel our commitment to equity and culture of service.

Grow your career with comprehensive training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, educational support and student loan repayment.

Create the life you envision for yourself with flexible work options, a Reimbursable Well-Being Fund and a Total Rewards package that support your physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

Make a difference through volunteer opportunities we offer in local communities and drive inclusive change through our workforce-led resource groups.

From discovery to delivery, come help us shape the future of medicine.

Description

The Child Life Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

• This individual works under the supervision of the Child Life manager. This position can cover a range of experience and expertise, from an entry level position to an advanced position.

Responsibilities:

• Understand human/child growth and development theory and practice
• Understand and utilize evidence-based practice concepts, including play, preparation and assessment
• Observe and assess the needs and concerns of children and families
• Prepare children and families for medical procedures and surgeries performed in specific units
• Provide activities and interventions to help children and families cope with medical situations and meet their developmental, emotional, and educational needs
• Facilitate group and individual interactions and interventions with children and families
• Manage unit-based volunteers
• Organize and manage special events, special guests, support groups and other regularly scheduled events
• Participate in psychosocial, interdisciplinary and/or departmental team meetings and communicate developmental and psychosocial needs of children
• Properly and accurately document and chart on child and family interventions
• Maintain professional competence by keeping abreast of research and evidence-based practices within the child life field
• Advocate for patients and families within the medical setting
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children, families, and staff
• Attend CLC conference and/or other pertinent conferences and events throughout the year
• Provide in-services for multidisciplinary department/unit staff and child life staff
• Actively participate in performance improvement projects and continued quality improvement activities
• Provide bereavement support to pediatric families and address consults from the adult units by facilitating preparation visits to those critical care units by pediatric visitors. This includes facilitating developmentally appropriate conversations and explanations regarding critical medical status of patient and equipment in the patient’s room
• Collaborate effectively with members of the service team to create a collaborative plan of care
• Ability to prioritize child life services based on susceptibility to stress and trauma
• Supervise/mentor practicum students and interns
• Manage work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time

Qualifications

Required:

• Child Life Professional Certification
• Earned a minimum bachelor’s or master’s degree, with an educational emphasis on human growth and development, education, psychology, or a related field of study.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.

Preferred:

• One to two years of experience as a Child Life Specialist
• Additional languages (i.e. Spanish)

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.