Child Life Specialist- NICU

Parkland Health - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Dallas, TX

Hospitals

About the position

The Child Life Specialist in the NICU at Parkland Health and Hospital System is responsible for assessing the psychosocial and developmental needs of pediatric patients during their hospitalization. This role involves developing and implementing therapeutic interventions to promote normal growth and development, providing support to patients and their families, and facilitating educational resources and referrals. The specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring that children cope effectively with their medical experiences and transitions back to home and school environments.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient’s psychosocial/developmental needs and facilitate interventions such as coping assessment, individual support, group support, procedural and surgical preparation and support, medical play, and developmental screening and age appropriate education.
• Provides psychosocial support and opportunities for continued coping mastery and normal growth and development, including post-hospital interventions, school re-entry programs, and referrals to school and various community programs.
• Assists with the identification and implementation of non-pharmacological pain management techniques in the pediatric patient.
• Provides information and support to parents/caregivers regarding developmental needs and interventions including behavior, discipline and parenting issues, infant brain development and health related issues concerning their child.
• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings including daily rounds, patient care conferences, develops and maintains effective working relationships with members of the health care team, including any trauma or event debriefings.
• Identifies and coordinates family meetings based on the identified needs of the pediatric patient and/or sibling(s).
• Provides grief and bereavement support to children and/or siblings of hospitalized patients.
• Prepares siblings/parents/caregivers for visitation and anticipated events related to treatment, and provides sibling/parents/caregivers support.
• Maintains appropriate documentation in patient medical records in relation to developmental needs and coping.
• Provides interdisciplinary in-services and student teaching regarding developmental concerns and the impact of illness, injury and hospitalization on children and families, as needed. Presents educational programs regarding child development to staff.
• Assists with coordinating community donations for the pediatric patient populations, serves as a liaison to the Parkland Foundation for donor events as they relate to their service areas.
• Orders, stocks and maintains supplies, as needed for patient population.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Human Development and Family Studies, Counseling, Child Development, Therapeutic Recreation, Child Psychology or a related field.
• Prefer a Master's degree in Child Life, Human Development and Family Studies, Counseling, Child Development, Therapeutic Recreation, Child Psychology or related field.
• Prefer two to three years of related experience.
• Must have licensure as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) within six months of hire date.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers, executive and medical staff, patients/patient families, community groups and clients in a positive manner.
• Effective organization skills and attention to detail.

Nice-to-haves

• Spanish bilingual skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Opportunities for professional development
• Supportive work environment
• Diverse healthcare legacy
• Commitment to community health and well-being