A Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) in the NICU will provide emotional support, education, and resources for the whole family. A CCLS in the NICU will work as a member of the multidisciplinary team to assess and promote developmental goals, as well as implementing creative ways to reduce stress and bond with baby. A CCLS will help to facilitate special events and programs throughout the year.

Interrelationships: Works closely with NICU families and staff, Social Workers, NICU physicians, antepartum, labor and delivery, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner staff

Patient population: NICU with some coverage of Adult ICU, Labor and Delivery, and Oncology as requested

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Family Studies, or a related field.
• Certification in Child Life or eligibility to be certified in Child Life by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
• At least two years of experience working as a CCLS in a hospital environment.
• Basic knowledge of the emotional and medical issues inherent in an NICU hospitalization.

Responsibilities of the Child Life Specialist position include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as primary contact for March of Dimes regarding NICU Family Support program.
• Implements resources developed for NICU family support and utilize evaluation tools to assess effectiveness and success of program. Works closely with the marketing department to develop and continually update materials for the program.
• Administers and facilitates Parent Education hours, arranges guest speakers, provides NICU Sibling Education Programs, and distributes NICU family support materials and products as recommended by the March of Dimes.
• Provides educational information, comfort and support to families affected by NICU (or potential) stay by providing patient education through dissemination of written materials and bedside teaching/group classes for both NICU parents and antepartum families with likely NICU admission.
• Collaborates with NICU staff to implement NICU Family Support. Solicits, trains, and coordinates volunteers to provide support to NICU families.
• Shares resources to support professional development around neonatal family-centered care.
• Develops and facilitates a Family-Staff Advisory Council to implement the NICU Family Support Program.
• Facilitates NICU support group through various modes of communication.
• Organizes NICU family activities, such as Halloween costume contest, knitting classes, etc.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with NICU administrators, physicians, nurses, social workers, as well as NICU families.
• Participate in NFS National trainings, conference calls, and webinars.
• Performs other duties assigned by Department management according to policies and procedures and the mission of Woman's Hospital.

A Work Experience with Purpose

Woman’s is one of the largest specialty hospitals for women and infants in the United States.  We are recognized throughout the country for our innovative programs, and we pride ourselves in surpassing the expectations of those we serve.  Providing exceptional patient care and creating exceptional patient experiences are at the center of what we do at Woman’s.  Our team consistently exceeds state and national benchmarks for patient satisfaction. 

Our employees, organizational culture, mission, vision, values, and benefits make Woman’s a best place to work.  In fact, for the 15th year in a row, Woman’s has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by Modern Healthcare – making us the only healthcare organization to earn the distinction every year since the program’s inception.  We are proud of the level of care our staff provides to our patients and each other. 

Hours

Full-Time; Days

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Woman’s Hospital. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

About Woman's Hospital

A Work Experience with Purpose Woman’s is one of the largest specialty hospitals for women and infants in the United States. We are recognized throughout the country for our innovative programs, and we pride ourselves in surpassing the expectations of those we serve. Providing exceptional patient care and creating exceptional patient experiences are at the center of what we do at Woman’s. Our team consistently exceeds state and national benchmarks for patient satisfaction. Our employees, organizational culture, mission, vision, values, and benefits make Woman’s a best place to work. In fact, for the 15th year in a row, Woman’s has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by Modern Healthcare – making us the only healthcare organization to earn the distinction every year since the program’s inception. We are proud of the level of care our staff provides to our patients and each other.

Connections working at Woman's Hospital