Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is hiring a full time Child Life Specialist to work at the main hospital in Lawrenceville, PA.

Provide developmentally appropriate education and programming to optimize children’s growth, support normal living patterns, and minimize psychosocial trauma associated with healthcare. Possess knowledge of child development and the psychosocial effects of hospitalization, while demonstrating clinical competence in problem-solving and priority setting.

Responsibilities:

Supervise and assess Child Life Assistants; assist in training and supervising students and volunteers. Communicate developmentally appropriate explanations of medical encounters to patients and families. Support patients and families in understanding hospitalization and illness through preparation and debriefing. Offer emotional support during medical procedures using stress point coping techniques. Assess and document developmental and psychosocial needs to create individualized child life plans. Maintain a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment. Provide therapeutic activities to encourage emotional expression and understanding of healthcare. Address death, bereavement, and loss with patients and families when appropriate. Collaborate with healthcare staff to communicate patient needs and development issues. Refer patients and families to appropriate support services as needed. Advocate for Family-Centered Care, helping patients and families transition between home and hospital environments.