Child Life Specialist I

Responsibilities

• Assess patients' and families' psychosocial and developmental needs regarding their adjustment to the healthcare setting.
• Facilitate interventions through individual and group play, art activities, therapeutic medical play, and preparation for procedures or surgeries.
• Formulate treatment goals and document all Child Life interventions in patient medical charts and weekly reports.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate therapeutic environment by ordering and stocking supplies.
• Implement new programs and projects as assigned by the Director of Child Life.
• Provide expertise on child growth and development to the broader healthcare team to adjust patient interactions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree with a concentration in child life.
• Completion of a child life internship program of at least 500 hours.
• Eligibility for Child Life Specialist certification (must acquire certification within one year of employment).
• 1-2 years of work experience with infants, children, or adolescents.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish therapeutic relationships with families.
• Ability to solve problems within a fast-paced, stressful clinical environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree with a concentration in child life.
• Previous work experience as a Child Life Specialist in a hospital setting.
• Current Child Life Specialist certification.

About the Company

UChicago Medicine is a world-class academic healthcare system dedicated to providing superior care with compassion. We are at the forefront of medical innovation, working to advance clinical knowledge and serve the health needs of our community. Join us in doing work that truly matters.