Job Description

The Child Life Specialist NICU reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

_ Responsibilities:_

• Assists the patient, family and health care team in identifying the psychosocial and developmental factors which impact the health care experience for the patient/family.
• This position requires competency in a wide range of therapeutic modalities allowing for a combination of diverse interventions.
• Assists parents in identifying ways to parent their infant while in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, thereby increasing their confidence and skills through education.
• Child Life consultative services will also be provided for any other NMH unit which has need for such services.
• Assists parents in incorporating siblings into the infants plan of care; assists siblings in developing age-appropriate understanding of infants condition and family role.
• Assists in planning, hosting, and executing family-centered events for current and prior patients & families of Northwestern Medicine.
• Works with the interdisciplinary team to insure the provision of a developmentally appropriate plan of care for infants in the NICU.

Qualifications

_ Required:_

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life or Child Development or closely related field.
• Completion of the required Child Life coursework as defined by the Child Life Council.
• Completion of a Child Life Internship.
• Must have a working knowledge of Child Development and be able to assess to the needs of the patient and family based on individual and age specific needs.
• Ability to effectively interact with patients, families, physicians, ancillary, and support staff.
• Ability to effectively manage within an environment of emotional and physical stress.
• Ability to make decisions, act and work independently within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality; follows HIPAA requirements.

_ Preferred:_

• Master's degree in Child Life or Child Development or a closely related field.
• Previous work experience as a Child Life Specialist in a Childrens Hospital and/or NICU setting.
• NIDCAP training.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.