CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST

About the Role

This position serves as a vital support system for pediatric patients and their families, bridging the gap between medical treatment and emotional well-being. As a Child Life Specialist, you will provide therapeutic interventions, crisis support, and health education tailored to children and families navigating hospitalization. The role is designed to humanize the healthcare experience, ensuring that patients of all ages—from neonates to geriatric adults—receive compassionate, developmentally appropriate care.

You will be an integral part of the Child Life team, working collaboratively with Child Psychiatry, Pediatric Oncology, and other healthcare providers to address the psychosocial and developmental needs of our patients. Your day-to-day impact involves conducting needs assessments, facilitating play sessions, managing pain through behavioral techniques, and advocating for the rights and special needs of families. Whether responding to urgent consults within 24 hours or leading long-term projects to improve patient safety, you will help create a healing environment where children and families feel understood and supported.

Team Context

Operating within the Clinical Nursing Support department, this role is essential to our commitment to Family-Centered Care. We believe that effective patient care extends beyond clinical procedures to include the emotional and developmental health of the child and their support system. By adhering to the Child Life Code of Ethics and collaborating across departments, the team ensures that every interaction promotes coping skills, reduces anxiety, and fosters resilience during times of illness and hospitalization.

Application Instructions

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree with a Child Life Internship or a related discipline. Certification in Child Life is required within one year of employment, and CPR for Healthcare Providers is essential. Bilingual proficiency in English, Spanish, Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo is highly valued. A sign-on bonus is available for qualified applicants.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics.