The Child Life Specialist promotes effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. Provides emotional support for families and encourages optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization. Provides information, support and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members. Plays a vital role in educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the needs of children under stress.
Bachelor's degree in child development, child life, child and family studies or related field; completion of eligibility assessment by the Association for Child Life Professionals (ACLP); and successful completion of, at minimum, a 480-hour clinical child life internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.
One year of recent work experience with children and families, prefer one year of paid experience as a Child Life Specialist. Knowledge and experience to ensure understanding of the basic issues of infant/child/adolescent development and behavior. Analytical skills necessary to assess patient and family needs, to establish a plan of care and deliver appropriate interventions. Ability to represent and communicate the role of child life to others. Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively across clinical settings. Ability to work as a contributing member of the multidisciplinary team. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Technical skills to effectively complete required professional documentation and correspondence. Basic supervisory skills to oversee Child Life program volunteers. Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or granted acceptance to take next scheduled exam and attains certification within first year of employment. Maintains current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers from one of the following programs: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or the Military Network Training.
Mayo Clinic has expanded and changed in many ways, but our values remain true to the vision of our founders. Our primary value – The needs of the patient come first – guides our plans and decisions as we create the future of health care. Join us and you'll find a culture of teamwork, professionalism and mutual respect, and most importantly, a life-changing career.
Mayo Clinic was founded in Rochester, Minnesota by brothers Dr. William James Mayo and Dr. Charles Horace Mayo. More than 100 years later, their vision continues to evolve around a single guiding value: "The needs of the patient come first." Today we are the largest integrated, not for-profit medical group practice in the world.
We are recognized for high-quality patient care more than any other academic medical center in the nation. These endorsements are very gratifying, but also humbling. They remind us of the tradition that has been entrusted to each one of us, and the legacy of excellence that we uphold every day.
