Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Child Life Specialist in Comer Children's Hospital.

Eligible for a Sign on Bonus up to $10,000!

In this role, the Child Life Specialist will work throughout the hospital offering support for children and families to help them cope with injuries and illnesses. Our Child life specialist's focus on each child's psychological and developmental needs to help him or her feel more comfortable in the hospital. We use a wide range of medical dolls, teaching tools and resources to prepare each child for procedures, surgeries and treatments. Since children grow and learn through play, we offer many opportunities for kids to do just that, as well socialize with other young people in the hospital. Our child life staff provides a wide range of supportive services for babies, children and adolescents. The Child Life Specialist will provide psychosocial support to children and families during hospitalization and will be responsible for designing and maintaining the physical, therapeutic, developmental and educational environment of Child Life Services in a manner that promotes a child/family friendly atmosphere. The Child Life Specialist lends expertise and knowledge of child growth and development to the healthcare team, adjusts interaction and/or treatment to match each patients developmental, educational and other related needs.

Essential Job Functions 

• Assess patients/families' psychosocial and developmental needs within the context of their adjustment to the healthcare setting.
• Facilitates appropriate interventions through individual and group play/art activities, therapeutic activities/medical play, preparation for procedures, surgeries and potentially stressful events.
• Formulates treatment goals.
• Documents weekly Child Life interventions and services on weekly reports and computer census. Documents in patient's medical chart adhering to departmental policy.
• Orders, stocks, and maintains supplies; maintains play areas with developmentally appropriate toys/activities that are clean and safe.
• Initiates and implements new programs/projects as assigned by Director of Child Life.

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time, 1.0FTE
• Shift: Day and Rotating
• Unit/Department: Child Life, Multiple Pediatric Departments
• CBA Code: Non-Union

 Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree with a concentration in child life 
• An internship in a child life program over 500 hrs
• Certification eligible as a Child Life Specialist and acquired with one year of employment
• One to two years’ work experience with infants, children or adolescents
• Knowledge and skills necessary to utilize theoretical constructs of human development for assessment and intervention for infants through teenagers
• Interpersonal skills necessary to establish therapeutic relationships with children and their families, as well as effective communication
• Analytical skills necessary to identify and solve problems within a constantly changing and stressful environment
   

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master's Degree with a concentration in child life 
• Hospital setting work experience as a Child Life Specialist
• Child Life Specialist certification 

About The University of Chicago Medicine

About Us: Welcome to Comer Children's Hospital, part of UChicago Medicine, where we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to children and their families. Located in the vibrant city of Chicago, we are a leading pediatric medical center known for our innovative approach to treating a wide range of childhood illnesses and conditions. Our Mission: At Comer Children’s Hospital, our mission is to improve the health and well-being of children through advanced medical care, groundbreaking research, and compassionate support. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where children and their families receive the highest quality care. What We Do: Pediatric Care: We provide comprehensive care for children from infancy through adolescence, offering expertise in areas such as pediatric oncology, cardiology, neurology, and more. Research and Innovation: Our research programs focus on advancing treatments and improving outcomes for pediatric patients. We collaborate with leading researchers to drive innovation in pediatric medicine. Family-Centered Care: We emphasize a holistic approach that involves families in the care process, ensuring that their needs an...d concerns are addressed with compassion and respect. Why Work With Us? Impactful Work: Join a team that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families every day through advanced care and groundbreaking research. Professional Growth: We are committed to your career development with opportunities for training, advancement, and continuous learning in a dynamic pediatric environment. Supportive Environment: Experience a collaborative and supportive workplace where every team member's contributions are valued, and work-life balance is a priority. Community and Compassion: Be a part of a team dedicated to improving the health of children in our community and beyond, with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered care. Benefits & Perks: Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages Access to cutting-edge pediatric technology and resources Opportunities for professional development and research involvement A collaborative, inclusive work environment Employee wellness programs and support for work-life balance Join Us: If you are passionate about pediatric medicine and want to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families, Comer Children's Hospital is the place for you. Explore our career opportunities and become part of our dedicated team committed to excellence in pediatric care, research, and family support.

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