Child Life Specialist

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, & vision plans to keep you and your family healthy. Life Insurance is also available.
• Future Security – 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition Reimbursement- because we invest in your future.
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.
• Paid Time Off – Generous paid time off- giving you a good work/life balance and time to recharge.

Role: Child Life Specialist- MUST BE A CERTIFIED CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST

Location: Lutheran Hospital- Fort Wayne, IN

Schedule: Full Time- Day shift- Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (can vary depending on hospital need); Occasional weekends.

Job Summary

The Child Life Specialist is responsible for providing therapeutic interventions and behavioral support to patients in a hospital setting. This role involves assessing patient needs, developing behavioral management plans, and working collaboratively with healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. The Behavioral Specialist supports patients in managing emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges, with a focus on enhancing their overall well-being.

Essential Functions

• Assesses patients' emotional, psychological, and behavioral needs and develops individualized care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Provides therapeutic interventions, such as counseling, behavioral therapy, or play therapy (where applicable for children), to assist patients in managing emotional and behavioral difficulties.
• Supports patients in coping with hospitalization, treatment plans, and medical procedures by offering emotional and psychological support.
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Facilitates group sessions, workshops, or educational programs aimed at improving patients' coping mechanisms and overall mental health.
• Monitors patient progress and adjusts behavioral management plans as necessary to ensure effective care.
• Documents patient interactions and maintains accurate, confidential records in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
• Educates patients' families and caregivers on behavioral management techniques and strategies to support patients' recovery and well-being outside of the hospital.
• Acts as a liaison between patients, families, and the healthcare team, ensuring that all parties are informed and supported throughout the care process.
• Participates in continuing education and professional development to stay current with best practices in behavioral health and therapy techniques.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Health or related field required
• 1-2 years of experience in a behavioral health or clinical setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of child development, behavior management, and therapeutic techniques (if working with children).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage patients and families effectively.
• Proficiency in behavioral assessment and intervention planning.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Compassion, empathy, and patience when working with diverse patient populations.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in maintaining patient records.

Licenses and Certifications

• De-escalation training certification within 30 days of hire required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required
• CCLS - Certified Child Life Specialist preferred

INDBH