Child Life Specialist - Pediatrics

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.





Work Shift:

8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)



Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40



Compensation:

Salary Range: $21.50 - $34.50

Sign on bonus available with a 3-year commitment! No experience: $10,000. 1+ years of experience: $15,000



Union Position:

No



Department Details

As the first Child Life Specialist in this new program, you’ll have the opportunity to shape and grow the initiative by contributing ideas, developing workflows, and collaborating with the pediatric team to create a meaningful impact for patients and families. You’ll be empowered to take initiative while still receiving mentorship and strong team support - making this an ideal role for someone eager to learn, grow, and make a difference in the community.

Bemidji offers the perfect blend of Northwoods beauty and small-town charm, with 400+ nearby lakes, abundant outdoor recreation, a lively downtown, and close proximity to Bemidji State University and Lake Bemidji State Park. It’s a wonderful place for individuals and families who enjoy the outdoors, with the headwaters of the Mississippi River just a 25-mile drive to Itasca State Park. Come join us in Bemidji - where purpose meets quality of life.

Summary

Develop, coordinate and implement the delivery of developmentally appropriate play activities, expressive arts, and special events for pediatric patients and their families within the health care setting, both at the bedside and in playroom settings.

Job Description

💙 Why You’ll Love This Role

• Be the first Child Life Specialist in a new and growing program
• Have a true voice in program development and workflow design
• Make a meaningful impact on children and families every day
• Receive mentorship, collaboration, and team support
• Build strong interdisciplinary relationships within pediatrics
• Enjoy a career-building opportunity with room to grow
• Live and work in a family-friendly, outdoors-focused community

Serves as the child's advocate when collaborating with the healthcare team to determine suitable therapeutic interventions. Utilizes expert knowledge of child development, family systems theories, and the developmental effects of stress and trauma on children to establish appropriate interventions to alleviate distress. Promotes family-centered care and facilitates the strengthening of positive coping and resiliency skills within the healthcare setting. Provides ongoing assessment of interventions used. Provides oversight and direction for utilization of volunteers in Child Life department. Possesses expert knowledge of medical diagnosis and procedures. Understands special needs of children with chronic or disabling conditions, with expertise in the use of play activities in a health care environment and in-depth knowledge of research regarding children in health care settings.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development, or related field required. Completion of Child Life internship required.

Minimum two years experience working with various age groups of children is preferred. Experience working with pediatric population in a therapeutic setting desired.

Certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is required or must be obtained within one year of hire. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within six months of hire.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. 

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.