Child Life Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, or related field of study.
• Completion (or nearing completion) of Child Life internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist following ACLP standards
• Child Life Certification (Must obtain within one year of employment)
• Strong knowledge of infant, child and adolescent growth and development
• Demonstrated experience working with infants, children and adolescents in healthcare or related settings
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meets deadlines
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Goal-oriented with the capacity to set priorities and achieve results while maintaining high professional standards

Responsibilities

• Delivers Child Life Services, including therapeutic play, education, procedural preparation, and coping support tailored to each patient’s developmental and emotional needs.
• Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates individualized care plans to promote optimal growth, development, and psychosocial well-being.
• Uses developmentally appropriate, medically accurate information to prepare children and families for diagnostic and treatment procedures, providing psychological preparation to reduce fear, pain, and anxiety.
• Facilitates medical play to help children explore, express feelings, and gain mastery over their hospital experience.
• Collaborates with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team to create and integrate family-centered goals of care.
• Offers education to patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatments, and the impact of hospitalization to minimize trauma and developmental disruption.
• Provides culturally sensitive emotional support to patients and families, respecting individual values and beliefs.
• Maintains accurate, timely patient care documentation in compliance with hospital policies.
• Participates in care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings, contributing to treatment planning and discussion.
• Trains, guides, and provides feedback to volunteers and students involved in child life services.
• Demonstrates clinical competency in direct patient care and successfully meets 100% of the core Child Life competencies established by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
• Actively pursues ongoing professional growth through mentorship, continuing education, and/or other learning opportunities.
• Participates in in-service trainings and continuing education programs, and shares key updates or new knowledge with the department through staff in- services or presentations.
• Acts as a financial steward by implementing cost-effective programming, adhering to budget guidelines, and supporting fundraising efforts through donor engagement.
• Contributes to departmental operations and professional growth by participating in projects, initiatives, and committees.
• Collaborates with team members to achieve departmental goals and performance targets.
• Performs other duties as assigned.