What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) - Part Time position at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana?
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Choice of medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy, plus company-provided life insurance options.
- Future Security: 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching to help build your long-term financial stability.
- Educational Assistance: Tuition reimbursement programs to support your continuous learning and career growth.
- Competitive Compensation & Package: Pay structured to recognize and reward your clinical expertise and dedication.
- Paid Time Off: Generous PTO benefits to promote healthy work-life balance and time to recharge.
About the Role
Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN is seeking a dedicated, compassionate Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) to join our healthcare team in a part-time job-share role.
In this position, you will provide essential therapeutic interventions, developmental care, and behavioral support to pediatric patients and their families. Working in close collaboration with physicians, nurses, and care teams, you will help minimize stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization, medical procedures, and illness to enhance patient outcomes.
Schedule & Work Structure
- Job Type: Part-Time (Job-share arrangement with another Child Life Specialist)
- Shift: Day Shift (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; exact hours may vary based on hospital needs)
- Weekend Requirement: Occasional weekends as needed
Key Responsibilities
- Assess emotional, psychological, and behavioral needs of pediatric patients to construct individualized developmental and coping care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team.
- Deliver therapeutic interventions—including play therapy, medical play, coping techniques, and behavioral support—to help children manage emotional and procedural distress.
- Support patients and their families through hospitalization, treatment protocols, and medical procedures by providing age-appropriate preparation and emotional support.
- Collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, and allied health professionals to ensure a unified, multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
- Facilitate group sessions, patient/family workshops, or educational programs aimed at strengthening coping mechanisms and supporting mental well-being.
- Monitor patient progress continually and adjust behavioral and developmental care plans to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely clinical documentation in accordance with hospital policies and health system regulatory guidelines.
- Educate caregivers and family members on behavioral management strategies and developmental support techniques to foster continued healing outside the hospital.
- Serve as an advocate and liaison between patients, families, and the medical team to ensure clear communication and support across every stage of care.
- Participate in professional development opportunities and continuing education to maintain best practice standards in child life and pediatric care.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Maintain regular, reliable attendance and comply with all organizational policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Mandatory Certification: Active Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential required.
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health, Child Life, Child Development, or a closely related field required.
- Experience: 1–2 years of experience in a clinical, pediatric, or behavioral health hospital setting required.
Additional Certifications:
- Basic Life Support (BCLS) certification required.
- De-escalation training certification required within 30 days of hire.
Skills & Abilities:
- In-depth knowledge of child development, therapeutic play techniques, and behavior management.
- Strong interpersonal, active listening, and verbal/written communication skills to engage patients, families, and care teams effectively.
- Proven skill in behavioral assessment, intervention planning, and clinical documentation.
- Compassion, empathy, and patience when supporting diverse patient populations.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- working in a clinical, pediatric, behavioral health setting: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) (Required)
- Bachelor's Beh Health, Child Life, Child Develop, or related (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $43,292 - $56,882