Certified Child Life Specialist

**$5,000 Sign On Bonus for offers accepted by November 30, 2025. Terms and Conditions apply**

The Child Life Specialist is a core member of the pediatric healthcare team, responsible for delivering developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed psychosocial care to pediatric patients, siblings, and families from birth through young adulthood. Utilizing evidence-based child life practices, the specialist supports coping and emotional well-being through assessment, therapeutic play, preparation, and procedural support. Working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, the Child Life Specialist advocates for patient- and family-centered care and contributes to a healing environment that promotes resilience, understanding, and normalization during hospitalization and illness.

Essential Job Statements

Performance Expectation: Clinical and Therapeutic Interventions
Provides direct psychosocial care to support coping, adjustment, and emotional well-being of pediatric patients and families.
•    Conducts individualized assessments to determine patient and family needs.
•    Develops and implements care plans using developmentally appropriate interventions.
•    Facilitates therapeutic play, coping strategies, and trauma-informed support.
•    Provides support during crises, including bereavement and end-of-life care.
•    Documents all clinical interactions and maintains accurate service statistics.

Performance Expectation: Education and Preparation
Prepares children and families for medical experiences through developmentally appropriate education and coping support.
•    Provides education about diagnoses, procedures, and hospital experiences.
•    Uses visual, tactile, and interactive tools to reduce fear and anxiety.
•    Coaches patients and families in coping strategies and relaxation techniques.
•    Offers post-procedural support and debriefing as needed.

Performance Expectation: Recreational and Developmental Support
Promotes normalization and emotional expression through structured and unstructured play.
•    Facilitates playroom and bedside activities tailored to developmental needs.
•    Supports sibling involvement and family engagement in play.
•    Maintains safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate play environments.
•    Ensures infection control standards are followed in all activity areas.

Performance Expectation: Family Support and Advocacy
Advocates for the psychosocial needs of patients and families within the healthcare team.
•    Provides emotional support and guidance to caregivers and siblings.
•    Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to ensure family-centered care.
•    Supports family involvement in care planning and decision-making.
•    Identifies and addresses barriers to coping and adjustment.

Performance Expectation: Special Events and Programming
Enhances the hospital experience through therapeutic programming and special events.
•    Participates in planning and implementation of hospital-wide celebrations.
•    Coordinates with internal and external partners to ensure safe and inclusive events.
•    Supports programming in the Child Life Zone and other therapeutic spaces.

Performance Expectation: Administrative and Team Support
Contributes to the effective functioning of the child life department.
•    Participates in meetings, committees, and quality improvement initiatives.
•    Assists with orientation and mentorship of students and volunteers.
•    Maintains and organizes supplies, donations, and activity materials.
•    Supports departmental documentation and data collection.

Performance Expectation: Professional Development
Maintains professional standards and contributes to the growth of the field.
•    Engages in continuing education and professional development.
•    Participates in supervision, peer review, and reflective practice.
•    Supports the training of interns and practicum students.

Performance Expectation: Miscellaneous Responsibilities
Supports departmental and institutional goals through flexibility and teamwork.
•    Performs other duties as assigned.
•    Demonstrates adaptability in a dynamic healthcare environment.
•    Contributes to a positive and collaborative team culture.

Independent Action(s) Required
•    Independently manages daily caseload and prioritizes patient needs.
•    Provides direct clinical services without supervision.
•    Maintains professional boundaries and ethical standards.
•    Advocates for child life services within the healthcare team.

Additional position requirements: 
Some evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be requir