Child Life Program Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving landscape of pediatric health care, the role of a Child Life Program Director has become increasingly crucial.

As the field of child life continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can innovate, manage, and enhance our child life programs.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Child Life Program Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to grasp the nature of this position,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the workings of child life program management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Child Life Program Director job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Child Life Program Director Duties and Responsibilities

Child Life Program Directors are primarily responsible for supervising and developing child life programs which support the emotional, cognitive, and developmental needs of children in healthcare settings.

Their roles and responsibilities include:

• Developing, implementing and overseeing child life programs in healthcare settings
• Recruiting, training, and supervising child life staff
• Creating and managing budgets for child life programs
• Evaluating program effectiveness and making necessary changes to improve services
• Collaborating with medical professionals to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of children
• Providing counseling and therapeutic services to children and their families
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures for child life services
• Creating educational materials and programs for children and families
• Organizing special events and activities for children and their families
• Maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for children

 

Child Life Program Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Child Life Program Director to develop, manage and oversee programs that support the emotional, developmental, and social needs of children under our care.

Child Life Program Director’s responsibilities include supervising a team of child life specialists, developing child-friendly programs, and coordinating with medical staff to ensure the wellness of children in the hospital environment.

Our ideal candidate is a compassionate, child-focused individual with a strong background in child development and extensive managerial experience.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee child life programs in the hospital
• Supervise, guide and support a team of child life specialists
• Coordinate with medical staff to incorporate child-friendly procedures
• Assess and address the emotional needs of children and their families
• Manage budgetary and resource allocation for the child life department
• Provide guidance and support to children during medical procedures
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards
• Identify training needs and facilitate professional development for staff
• Promote awareness of the child life program within the hospital and the wider community

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in a managerial role within a Child Life Program
• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential
• Strong knowledge of child development and family systems
• Experience in budget management and resource allocation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations with compassion and professionalism

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Child Life Program Director
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. Frequent interaction with children and families. Some travel may be required for community outreach and professional development.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Pediatric Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Child Life Program Director Do?

A Child Life Program Director typically works for hospitals, healthcare organizations or clinics.

They can also be associated with non-profit organizations that work for children’s wellbeing and care.

Their primary role is to design, implement, and manage programs that enhance the emotional, social, and cognitive development of children, particularly those undergoing medical treatment or dealing with traumatic experiences.

They collaborate with a team of Child Life Specialists, medical professionals, and other healthcare staff to provide comprehensive care for children and their families.

The Child Life Program Director is responsible for assessing the needs of the children and families in their care, developing appropriate therapeutic interventions, and overseeing the delivery of these interventions.

They also may be involved in training and supervising Child Life Specialists, volunteers, and interns, as well as managing the budget for their program.

Additionally, they often advocate for the importance of child life services within their organization and the broader healthcare community.

Furthermore, they can also conduct research and contribute to policy development in the field of child life.

They play a critical role in improving the quality of pediatric healthcare and helping children and their families navigate challenging medical experiences.

 

Child Life Program Director Qualifications and Skills

Child Life Program Directors need a unique blend of skills and qualifications that allow them to effectively manage programs and personnel, while also ensuring high-quality care and support for children and families, including:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with children, families, staff, and other healthcare professionals.
• Comprehensive knowledge in child development, psychology and pediatrics to develop effective child life programs.
• Strong leadership and management skills to oversee child life specialists and volunteers, and to ensure program quality and effectiveness.
• Empathy and compassion to understand and address the emotional and psychological needs of children and their families.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to address issues that may arise within the program or among staff members.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate child life programs to ensure they meet the needs of children and families.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and responsibilities concurrently.
• Ability to advocate for the child life profession and program within the healthcare setting and the larger community.
• Proficiency in data management and analysis to monitor program outcomes and implement necessary improvements.

 

Child Life Program Director Experience Requirements

Individuals seeking a Child Life Program Director position will generally require a significant level of experience in pediatric healthcare or a related field.

This often equates to around 5 to 7 years of professional experience.

Entry-level experience in the field typically involves roles such as Child Life Specialist or Pediatric Counselor, where individuals gain hands-on experience in pediatric care and child life programs.

Some may also gain relevant experience through internships or part-time roles within hospitals, clinics, or child-focused nonprofits.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience often transition to senior or supervisory roles, like Lead Child Life Specialist or Child Life Program Coordinator.

In these roles, they can develop their skills in program planning and leadership, while continuing to gain practical experience in providing child life services.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience will typically have held leadership roles, overseeing a team of child life professionals, and have significant experience in developing and managing child life programs.

They may have also had the opportunity to shape policies and strategies related to child life services.

Advanced professional certifications, such as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or a Master’s degree in a relevant field like Child Life, Pediatric Psychology, or Child Development, can further enhance the qualifications and experience of a potential Child Life Program Director.

Moreover, some hospitals or healthcare institutions may require their Child Life Program Directors to have experience with specific populations, like children with chronic illnesses, or in specific settings, like pediatric intensive care units.

 

Child Life Program Director Education and Training Requirements

A Child Life Program Director generally requires a bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field.

This role demands a strong foundation in child development, psychology, and family systems.

The coursework often includes subjects such as child life theory and practice, medical terminology, child development, family systems, and research methodology.

In addition to a degree, many employers require Child Life Program Directors to be certified by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

This certification indicates the individual has met the rigorous standards set by the ACLP in areas such as child life, child development, family systems, and therapeutic play.

To qualify for the certification exam, candidates must have completed a 600-hour child life internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.

In addition, some positions may require a master’s degree in a related field for a more senior role.

This could include a master’s in education, psychology, or social work.

Ongoing professional development and continuous learning in the field of child life and child development are also essential, as this field is continually evolving.

This can be achieved through regular training, workshops, conferences, and courses.

Some Child Life Program Directors may also choose to specialize in areas such as pediatric palliative care or trauma-informed care, which would require additional education and training.

Lastly, experience working with children and families, especially in hospital settings, is vital for this role.

Therefore, practical experience is just as essential as the educational qualifications for a Child Life Program Director.

 

Child Life Program Director Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Child Life Program Director is around $71,654 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary significantly depending on the individual’s years of experience, educational background, the size and location of the hospital or healthcare facility, and the specific responsibilities of the role.

 

Child Life Program Director Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Child Life Program Director need?

A Child Life Program Director generally needs a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field.

However, a master’s degree is often preferred.

Additionally, they must have professional certification as a Child Life Specialist.

Experience in a child life setting or pediatric healthcare, along with leadership or managerial experience, is also typically required.

 

What are the key responsibilities of a Child Life Program Director?

The Child Life Program Director oversees all aspects of the Child Life program.

They are responsible for developing and implementing program policies, coordinating staff schedules, managing budgets, and ensuring the program meets all regulatory standards.

They also supervise and train child life staff, and evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

 

What skills are important for a Child Life Program Director?

Key skills for a Child Life Program Director include strong leadership and management abilities, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively with children and families in stressful situations.

They should also have a strong understanding of child development and the effects of illness, injury, and hospitalization on this development.

 

How can you measure the success of a Child Life Program Director?

Success can be measured by the positive impact they have on the children and families in their program, the professional development and satisfaction of their team members, the efficiency and effectiveness of their program operations, and their ability to stay within budget while still providing high-quality services.

 

What qualities make a good Child Life Program Director?

A good Child Life Program Director is compassionate, patient, and has a deep understanding of children’s emotional and psychological needs.

They should be able to handle stressful situations calmly and be skilled in problem-solving and decision-making.

Leadership skills are also paramount as they will be managing a team of specialists.

Furthermore, they should be able to advocate for the needs of children and their families within the broader healthcare system.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the crucial role of a Child Life Program Director.

And guess what?

It’s not just about coordinating programs.

It’s about shaping the future of pediatric healthcare, one program at a time.

With our comprehensive Child Life Program Director job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every program you coordinate contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Child Life Program Director (Complete Guide)

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