Make a Difference Every Single Day

At Cedars-Sinai, we?re driven by a collective spirit of innovation and the challenge to continuously improve. Above all, we share a real passion for helping others. Day after day, from department to department, our people give their all to create a community unlike any other. This is just one of the many reasons U.S. News & World Report has named us one of America?s Best Hospitals-and now we invite you to join us. From working with a team of exceptional professionals using innovative facilities, you?ll have everything needed to do something incredible-for yourself, and for others.

At Cedars-Sinai, Child Life Specialists provides support to children, teens and families to help them prepare for their medical experience in the Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care units, Outpatient Cancer Center, Children?s Health Center and the Emergency Department. Services include health education, therapeutic play, developmental activities and emotional support to minimize any psychological trauma, stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization.

The Specialist will provide therapeutic, educational and recreational activities to patients in assigned areas of coverage. The specialist also provides developmental interventions, emotional support, therapeutic play and health related education to patients and families based on assessment. The specialist participates in team and family meetings, patient care conferences, discharge planning and medical rounds.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborates with staff on patients? developmental and behavioral issues and complements the plan of care for the patient.
• Assesses and interacts with patients and families using theories of human growth and development, family systems and cultural background. Implements' services that provide a safe and therapeutic environment for individuals and groups, ages 0-21.
• Prepares children for medical procedures or treatments using theories of child development and language that children understand.
• Introduces coping strategies to help reduce anxiety, manage pain and enhance cooperation with the health care team. Provides support, reassurance and distraction during medical procedures.
• Offers opportunities for play and expressive activities, encouraging normal development and a sense of fun in the face of difficult circumstances.
• Supports families confronting grief and bereavement issues.
• Leads and participates in quality improvement projects.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree, required Master's Degree preferred in Child Development, Psychology Child Life or related field.

License/Certification/Registration Requirements

• Child Life Specialist Certification (CCLS) required (must be obtained within a year of employment)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate required. (Must be from American Heart Association or American Red Cross)

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of experience as a Child Life Specialist for an Academic Medical Center.