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Certified Child Life Specialist
Certified Child Life SpecialistBeacon Health System • South Bend, IN
Certified Child Life Specialist

Certified Child Life Specialist

Beacon Health System • South Bend, IN
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Summary

The Child Life Specialist / Facility Dog Handler is a certified healthcare professional who provides comprehensive psychosocial and developmental support to pediatric patients and their families throughout hospitalization, outpatient procedures, and surgical experiences. This role fosters a child- and family-centered environment by maintaining therapeutic, educational, and developmentally appropriate care spaces.

As a core member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, the specialist uses knowledge of child development to help reduce stress, anxiety, and trauma through play, education, and emotional support. When applicable, this position also serves as a Facility Dog Handler , incorporating animal-assisted interventions to enhance care experiences for patients, families, and staff.

Beacon Health System Mission, Values & Service Goals

  • MISSION : We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
  • VALUES : Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
  • SERVICE GOALS : Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Key Responsibilities

Pediatric Psychosocial Support

  • Assess developmental, emotional, and psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and families.
  • Develop and document individualized care plans, including goals and interventions.
  • Facilitate therapeutic play, procedural preparation, coping strategies, and normalization activities tailored to each child's developmental stage.
  • Provide emotional and physical presence during stressful or invasive procedures.

    • Family Support & Education

  • Partner with caregivers to understand and support children’s responses to hospitalization and treatment.
  • Educate families on coping strategies, child development, and therapeutic techniques.
  • Facilitate communication between families and healthcare providers.
  • Support siblings and other family members in adjusting to the healthcare environment.

    • Team Collaboration

  • Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and care planning.
  • Share expertise in child development and psychosocial care with clinical staff.
  • Mentor volunteers and staff to support developmentally appropriate care practices.

    • Program & Environment Management

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and age-appropriate therapeutic play environment.
  • Plan and coordinate special events, celebrations, and visitor programs.
  • Manage inventory and upkeep of toys, supplies, and educational materials.
  • Assist in child- and family-centered policy development and facility design input.

    • Innovation & Best Practices

  • Continuously assess and integrate evidence-based practices and new therapeutic approaches.
  • Contribute to program evaluation and innovation efforts to improve service delivery.
  • Explore creative, inclusive approaches to enhance patient engagement and satisfaction.

    • Additional Responsibilities

  • Attend department meetings and complete required trainings and continuing education.
  • Maintain required certifications and annual competencies.
  • Respond to emergent staffing needs, including shift changes, overtime, or coverage.
  • Support special projects and other duties as assigned.

    • Qualifications

    Education & Certification

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Health Education, or a related field.
  • Completion of a minimum of 500 clinical internship hours in a Child Life program.
  • Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), or eligible and certified within six months of hire.

    • The Beacon Way

    All team members are expected to support and embody Beacon Health System’s six-point operating philosophy :

  • Leverage innovation everywhere
  • Cultivate human talent
  • Embrace performance improvement
  • Build greatness through accountability
  • Use information to improve and advance
  • Communicate clearly and continuously

    • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of child development, family dynamics, and therapeutic interventions in healthcare.
  • Ability to independently plan, organize, and evaluate child life services.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
  • Proficient in medical documentation and department-specific technology systems.

    • Working Conditions & Physical Demands

  • Frequent interaction in patient care areas, including inpatient and outpatient settings.
  • Requires flexibility in scheduling, including evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
  • Must be able to lift, kneel, crouch, and move play or therapy materials.
  • Facility Dog Handlers must provide daily care for the dog, including walking, grooming, transportation, and wellness maintenance.
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    Child Life Specialist • South Bend, IN

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