Certified Child Life Specialist

Child Life Specialist

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 required.

Age Specific groups served: All patients admitted to a pediatric service, with services also to their families.

Patient Population 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.

Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Education Required: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Life, or a field directly related to children and families from an accredited program.

Education Preferred:

Licensure Required Preferred:

Certification Required: 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.

Certification Preferred: Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience: Completion of a Child Life Internship endorsed by the Child Life Council.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Experience in a hospital setting working with pediatric patients and families.

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

General office environment.

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.

May be required to use physical restraints.

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*

May have periods of constant interruptions.

Prolonged periods of working alone.

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Balance, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Maneuver weight of patients, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity - far, Acuity - near

Hazards: Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Exposure to high pitched noises

Mental/Sensory Emotional

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast-paced environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change