Child Life Specialist ED

About the position

The Child Life Specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago plays a crucial role in promoting effective coping strategies and reducing trauma for children and families during hospitalizations. This position focuses on providing developmentally appropriate play, education, and therapeutic activities to support emotional well-being and optimal development for children facing healthcare challenges. The specialist works collaboratively with families and healthcare teams to address psychosocial needs and ensure comprehensive care.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, assesses, and responds to child/family needs to support coping throughout illness, injury, and hospitalization.
• Develops relationships with patients and families to provide psychosocial assessments and necessary interventions.
• Advocates for the psychosocial, developmental, spiritual, and cultural needs of children and families throughout care.
• Documents interventions and communicates with healthcare team members to coordinate service delivery.
• Collaborates with Volunteer Resources to assess volunteer coverage and implements volunteer services for patients.
• Participates in professional development through seminars, coursework, and hospital education programs.
• Adheres to service principles with a focus on innovation, service excellence, and teamwork.

Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in child development, child and family development, or a related field.
• CCLS (certified child life specialist) credential required within 12 months of hire.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a child life setting or equivalent position.
• Basic Life Support Certification required within 6 months of hire.

Nice-to-haves

• Spanish-speaking abilities strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid group term life and disability
• Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
• 403(b) with a 5% employer match
• Tuition assistance
• Student loan servicing and support
• Adoption benefits
• Backup Childcare and Eldercare
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discount on services at Lurie Children's facilities
• Discount purchasing program