Child Life Specialist

Department Overview

OHSU is Oregon’s only public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning, with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health – and with a network of campuses and partners throughout Oregon. We are a national research hub, with thousands of scientists developing lifesaving therapies and deeper understanding. We are a statewide economic engine and Portland’s largest employer. And as a public organization, we provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians, and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.

The Child Life Specialist (CLS) provides support to both outpatient and inpatient areas of the hospital. The CLS will support patients with acute and chronic illnesses to promote their healthy growth and development, reduce anxiety and trauma and aid focusing on emotional adjustment to hospitalization. This relief position supports the current CL staff in providing coverage for sick and vacation. Weekend and night shifts may be offered to this relief position. 

Relief employees must be available to work at least four (4) days per pay period as determined according to the department needs

Function/Duties of Position

Clinical Responsibilities

• Maintains and supports the philosophy of family centered care by helping the patients and families cope with the hospital experience.
• Assesses and documents the emotional and psychosocial developmental needs, action and follow-up plan written in the patient’s record
• Promotes coping with the hospital experience through expression of feelings in developmentally age appropriate, therapeutic activities.
• Provides preoperative teaching, post op support and pre-op tours.
• Provides emotional support to patient and family during medical/nursing procedures.
• Provides child development expertise in the development of educational material for patients and families.
• Participates in care conferences held to assess patient needs and receives suggestions for intervention from other care conference members. 
• Identifies needs of all children incorporating developmental level, mobility, chronicity of illness and psychosocial factors to facilitate activities fostering mastery of healthcare experiences.
• Adapts play materials to meet individual needs.
• Explains at the child’s level of understanding, the sequence, nature, and reason for medical procedures and routines; serves as a supportive non-medical person during medical procedures. 
• Promotes positive guest relations with the staff, patients, volunteers and visitors 
• Assists in training and supervision of volunteers to promote positive interactions for patients and families with volunteers.
• Provides emotional, intellectual and social support for siblings of patient.
• Provides grief support for families 

Promotes the Child Life professional and program through education and role modeling.

• Participates in associations related to Child Life and maintains knowledge on current trends in Child Life.
• Shares child development knowledge and communication skills with staff and providers as opportunities arise.
• Orients patient care staff, volunteers and students to the needs of hospitalized children and adolescents.
• Acts as a resource person for staff in identifying patient and family needs under stress and crisis.
• Participates as a member on an organizational, multidisciplinary committee as possible
• Role models professional competence and respectful communications.
• Commits to teamwork in the Child Life Program through positive communication and collaboration.
• Assists in preparation and dissemination of information representing the hospital and Child Life Program to community groups, organizations and the news media.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintains necessary medical play supplies and playrooms in good working order.
• Responds to requests and donations of community, accepts donations brought to DCH.
• Maintains a supply of books/pamphlets for grief support, general information regarding hospitalization of children and other materials as patient needs dictate.
• Processes donations including donor relations, organization, storage and/or distribution of donations.
• Uses fiscal stewardship in requesting and ordering program materials.
• Maintains accurate pager status, answers calls and emails promptly.
• Supports DCH Foundation special events and requests as requested.
• Coordinates and attends Child Life Program special events and/or entertainment activities for patients and families.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in a Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, Special Education, or a closely related field and completion of a minimum of 480 hours in a Child Life internship. Child Life Specialist within one year of hire date.

• Preference will be given to applicants with hospital experience or training, Child Life Specialist certification, and proficiency in Spanish.

• Expertise in child Life skills and practices.
• Competent in computer functions, such as e-charting 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related field
• 1-2 years’ experience as a Child Life Specialist in a pediatric acute hospital/ED
• Spanish Speaking
• Child Life Certification

Additional Details

Standing, sitting for up to 2 hours or more, bending, reaching overhead, stooping, climbing stairs, on hands and knees at times working with ped patients. Able to use a keyboard for an extended amount of time as well as rapid mental/hand/eye coordination

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]