Child Life Intern

Children's Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN

Full-time - Intern

Minneapolis, MN

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

About the position

The Child Life Intern position at Children's Minnesota offers an intensive working experience in child life, focusing on the development and support of children undergoing medical care. Interns will work under the supervision of certified child life specialists to help minimize psychological stress and trauma for patients, while promoting coping strategies and understanding of health care experiences. This internship emphasizes cultural awareness and diversity, aiming to reflect the community served by the health system.

Responsibilities

• Complete child life assessments
• Conduct clinical interventions such as psychological preparation and medical play
• Provide grief and loss support
• Educate families on new diagnoses and coping skills
• Support families in adjusting to acute or chronic health diagnoses
• Document interventions and educate staff and community stakeholders
• Participate in case study discussions and care conferences
• Engage with interdisciplinary team members
• Participate in support groups and hospital-wide committees
• Contribute to non-patient facing initiatives like donation management and event planning

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in any field of study
• Completion of a child life course taught by a CCLS
• A minimum of 2 child development courses covering ages birth-18
• Completion of a family systems course
• Completion of a play course
• Completion of a loss/bereavement or death/dying course
• Completion of a research course
• 3 additional courses in related content areas
• Minimum of 100 hours of experience working with typically developing children
• Experience working with children in stressful situations and with healthcare needs

Nice-to-haves

• Preferred experience in a medical setting

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in a pediatric health care environment
• Opportunity to work with a diverse patient population
• Professional development opportunities
• Networking with healthcare professionals