Certified Child Life Specialist - PRN

VCU Health • Richmond, VA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Life, or a field directly related to children and families from an accredited program.
• Completion of a Child Life Internship endorsed by the Child Life Council.
• Must obtain Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential within 12 months of hire.
• Must obtain Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) certification within 12 months of hire.
• Must obtain CPR certification within 12 months of hire.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a hospital setting working with pediatric patients and families.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level