This position will support our behavioral health population on our Integrated Care Unit, an inpatient unit for patients with both a medical and psychiatric diagnosis as well as patients in our behavioral health unit in the ED in collaboration with the outpatient behavioral health child life specialist. Some of the job responsibilities include providing psychosocial support, promoting positive coping, procedural preparation and support, normalizing the hospital environment, facilitating special events, and providing group and 1:1 activities. The position is M-W-F 10:30am – 7pm with the option to pick up additional child life shifts as available.

Under general supervision, contributes to a positive hospital experience by providing psychosocial support for pediatric patients and their families to promote optimal cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of the patient and family during a hospital stay. Assess needs of children and their families taking into consideration each child’s family, culture and stage of development. Provide children and their families with a variety of developmental, therapeutic and educational opportunities in order to minimize stress and anxiety, and to provide support to patient/family during hospitalization or challenging events. Reports to Manager of Child & Family Support Services.

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team.

Our child life team consists of Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS), child life assistants and a gaming & technology specialist. Child life is an integral part of the multidisciplinary care team on our inpatient units and in outpatient areas, specializing in reducing the stress and uncertainty patients and families experience in a healthcare setting. Using a developmental approach based in play, our child life specialists guide our patients in understanding their diagnosis and treatment, and in coping with healthcare experiences. The child life team provides a variety of play opportunities and programming to normalize the environment and promote development. We embrace a family centered care approach and incorporate caregivers and siblings into our interventions and activities. Our goal is to build strong, trusting relationships with our patients, families and each other. We pride ourselves on our talented, warm and friendly team and look forward to welcoming a new team member!

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Child Life Specialist-Per Diem