Child Life Specialist AHWFB

Make a meaningful impact every day in a role dedicated to supporting the emotional, developmental, and psychosocial well‑being of pediatric patients and their families. As a Child Life Specialist at Advocate Children’s Hospital, you will provide compassionate, developmentally appropriate care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. You’ll help children and families navigate medical experiences, promote resilience, and ensure an environment where patients can continue to grow, learn, and thrive despite hospitalization.

Essential Responsibilities

• Normalize the hospital experience through therapeutic play, developmentally appropriate activities, and supportive interactions.
• Build trusting, supportive relationships with children, teens, and families, offering guidance on coping, growth, and development.
• Provide preparation, support, and accompaniment during medical procedures using techniques such as medical play, distraction, and emotional support to reduce anxiety and trauma.
• Advocate for comfort measures and pediatric‑friendly care approaches; educate staff on developmentally appropriate interactions.
• Deliver support for siblings, families experiencing grief or bereavement, and those facing critical illness.
• Facilitate effective communication among patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams; participate in rounds and care conferences.
• Perform all responsibilities in alignment with established policies, safety standards, and patient‑centered best practices.
• Pursue ongoing professional development to maintain certification and enhance clinical skills.
• Coordinate developmental and coping‑focused events and activities for patients and families.
• Partner with Public Affairs, Marketing, and Advocate Charitable Foundation to plan donor‑supported events and strengthen community relationships.
• Manage and organize all in‑kind donations, including storage, distribution, and adherence to donor intent.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Select, orient, and supervise child life student interns and volunteers.
• Provide unit‑specific training, ongoing guidance, and performance feedback.
• Collaborate with Internship/Volunteer Coordinators to ensure meaningful learning experiences and effective volunteer engagement.

Required Education, Experience & Certifications

• Certification: Certified Child Life Specialist (must be obtained within 6 months of hire)
  Issued by: Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP)
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Completion of an ACLP‑approved child life internship; experience working with all pediatric age groups in a healthcare setting.
• Knowledge & Skills:
  • Strong understanding of pediatric growth and development from birth through young adulthood (0–21 years).
  • Ability to assess patient needs and tailor interventions accordingly.
  • Experience supporting children with developmental delays, mental health diagnoses, or challenging behaviors.
  • Comfort working with families during critical illness and end‑of‑life care.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, assessment, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, emotionally demanding environments; flexible and resilient.
  • Strong proficiency with technology and documentation systems.
  • Demonstrated leadership, prioritization, and patient‑care coordination skills.
  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse patients and families.