At Cooper University Health Care, our commitment to providing extraordinary health care begins with our team. Our extraordinary professionals are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhanced access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies and research protocols. We have a commitment to our employees to provide competitive rates and compensation programs. Cooper offers full and part-time employees a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement. We also provide attractive working conditions and opportunities for career growth through professional development.
Discover why Cooper University Health Care is the employer of choice in South Jersey.
Short Description
The Child Life Specialist will assess the psychosocial needs of patients and their families to offer and implement supportive, therapeutic interventions such as preparation for health care encounters, procedural support and coping strategies, and opportunities for various types of play. The Child Life Specialist will be an advocate for pediatric patients and visitors and serve as a resource for other hospital staff in areas of child development, family-centered care, trauma-informed care, age appropriate and developmentally appropriate interactions, and bereavement support.
Responsibilities:
Provides Child Life services in pediatric units as assigned and in other units as consulted Assesses psychosocial and developmental needs of patients/families and implements or adapts services and goals as needed
Utilizes therapeutic interventions such as psychological preparation, procedural support, therapeutic play, medical play, bereavement support, etc. to facilitate coping with hospitalization
Provides developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed education and emotional support for children about health care encounters, the hospital environment, new diagnoses or injuries, grief, etc.
Documents interventions and services in a timely manner within the patient’s electronic health record
Works as part of the multi-disciplinary team to communicate, collaborate, educate, and advocate for patient- and family-centered care
Delegates appropriate duties to Activities Assistants and volunteers, supervises practicum students as assigned
Complies with professional, ethical, and educational standards in accordance with the Association of Child Life Professionals
Experience Required
0-2 years of experience, 3-5 years preferred
Education Requirements
Bachelors in Child Life or related field, or a Bachelors with a completed Child Life Certification
License/Certification Requirements
Must have completed 600+ hour Child Life Internship
Certified Child Life Specialist-Must obtain certification within 12 months of hire
Communication - Ability to communicate with patients, visitors and coworkers CPR-BLS preferred
Welcome to Cooper University Health Care
With a more than 135-year history of healing, Cooper is the place South Jersey turns to when they need care. As the leading academic medical system in the area, with South Jersey’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, more than 100 outpatient offices, and more than two million patient visits a year, it’s the perfect place to build a career of care in a truly diverse and inclusive environment. Whether you’re a medical professional or possess other skills, you’ll want to be with Cooper.