Child Life Specialist - NICU - Ochsner Baptist - FT

Required – Bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology, or related field.

Preferred – Master’s degree, or Advanced coursework in pediatric or developmental disciplines.

Required – Completion of accredited Child Life Internship with eligible to sit for Child Life Certification examination. 

1+ year of experience in child life, child and family studies, child development, or related field.

Preferred – 2+ year of clinical experience in pediatric healthcare setting.

Required – Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Preferred – Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or obtained within designated timeframe. 

• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal with patients, families, multidisciplinary team members, departmental peers, and community agency personnel effectively and courteously.
• Good organizational skills.
• Good time management skills.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and a professional relationship with patients and families.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability) and travel throughout and between facilities.

• Conducts developmental and psychosocial assessments to identify patient and family needs, and guide individualized care planning.
• Designs and implements therapeutic interventions to support coping and emotional expression.
• Provides procedural preparation and support to reduce anxiety and trauma associated with medical experiences.
• Educates families and caregivers on coping strategies and developmental needs.
• Collaborates with physicians, nursing staff, and multidisciplinary team members to support coordinated patient-centered care.
• Maintains clinical documentation in accordance with organizational and professional standards.
• Provides mentorship and guidance to Child Life Assistant and Interns during clinical and program activities.
• Participates in interdisciplinary committees, quality initiatives, and program development efforts to enhance patient and family outcomes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations, and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.

Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.

Ochsner Health endeavors to make our site accessible to all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, or if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our HR Employee Solution Center at 504-842-4748 (select option 1) or careers@ochsner.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.