Child Life Specialist

5k Sign-On Bonus!

The Child Life Specialist provides psychosocially and developmentally based assessment and support to both infants, children, youth and their families in the pediatric emergency department. Plans and provides emotionally and developmentally appropriate play and other experiences to promote effective coping with health care experiences and continued cognitive and emotional growth. Enhances quality of patient care through participation, documentation and communication with other members of the health care team. Oversees the work of child life volunteers. Teaches, supervises, and evaluates the growth and development of practicum and internship students. Serves as a resource and advocate on topics related to child development and patient's adjustment to and coping with diagnosis and treatment for families and in assigned clinical area.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree, Master's preferred, in Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Child Life, or related field, and completion of a Child Life internship of 600 hours.
• Completion of a Child Life internship. One year job experience or a Master's degree with some work experience preferred.
• Certification at the professional level through the Association of Child Life Professionals must be acquired within the first year of employment.
• Two years of work experience as a CCLS or one-year experience with Master's degree.
• A professional level of knowledge of theoretical foundations of child life practice (child development, play, stress and coping, family systems, and patient and family centered care.) - Knowledge and skill in growth and development, therapeutic play, psychological preparation, provision of coping strategies and support during medical events.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and its implications acquired through academic program and clinical internship.
• Knowledge of trauma informed care framework and application in child life practice
• Knowledge of the Association of Child Life Professionals Code of Ethics.
• Familiarity with hospital/departmental policies and procedures normally acquired through one to three months on-the-job experience.
• Ability to (1) assess patient/family psychosocial and developmental strengths and risks, (2) plan goals, (3) implement interventions, and (4) evaluate effectiveness of assessment, plans and interventions.
• Ability to facilitate a variety of group and individual play and therapeutic activities that promote development, self-expression, and mastery up to eighty percent of the work day
• Documentation and written communication skills, usually acquired through academic preparation and 600 hr clinical internship.
• Effective verbal communication and public speaking skills.
• Emerging supervisory skills.
• Demonstrates dedication to support diversity, equity and inclusion within organizational role.
• Time management and organizational skills.

Johns Hopkins Medicine and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.

We are committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for our patients, visitors and staff members. The Johns Hopkins Hospital has a tobacco-free at work policy. Employees must refrain from using any tobacco products during their work shifts — including while at lunch or on breaks, and whether they are on or off campus.