The Child Life (CL) Specialist works in health care and community settings to address the psychosocial, emotional and family concerns that accompany the illness and injury of children, adolescents and young adults. The CL Specialist utilizes developmentally appropriate information, procedure support, emotional processing, play, self-expression and empowerment to improve the coping and adjustment of patients and families. The CL Specialist collaborates with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to advocate for/ensure that developmentally appropriate, emotionally safe, family-centered care is being provided to patients and families. In addition, the CL Specialist takes an active role in developing and maintaining resources, planning and facilitating special events and providing educational opportunities throughout Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) and the community.        

This child life specialist will work with patients in the Pediatric Mental Health Institute.