Child Life Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of pediatric healthcare, the role of Child Life Specialists has never been more vital.

As we navigate through changing dynamics, the demand for compassionate professionals who can help children and their families cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, and disability continues to grow.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the field of pediatric healthcare,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s get started.

Child Life Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Child Life Specialists are professionals who work with children and their families in medical environments, helping them cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, and disability.

They provide emotional support for both the child and their family, educate them about what to expect, and provide age-appropriate activities.

The duties and responsibilities of a Child Life Specialist include:

• Conducting assessments to identify the child’s strengths and vulnerabilities in order to provide appropriate interventions
• Providing emotional support to children and their families during stressful medical situations
• Planning and implementing therapeutic play activities to minimize stress and anxiety
• Developing and implementing individualized care plans based on the child’s needs and interests
• Providing education to children and families about the medical procedures and what to expect
• Collaborating with the healthcare team to advocate for the child’s emotional and developmental needs
• Assisting families in understanding and navigating the healthcare system
• Providing grief and bereavement support to children and families
• Documenting all interactions and interventions in the child’s medical record
• Developing and conducting in-service training programs for healthcare staff about the needs of children and families in the healthcare setting

 

Child Life Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Child Life Specialist to join our team.

The main responsibilities include preparing children and their families for medical procedures, helping them understand the illness, and providing emotional support.

The ideal candidate should be well-versed in child development and be able to utilize this knowledge to promote effective coping strategies for children and families during their healthcare experiences.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess the needs of patients and families to provide age-appropriate support and interventions.
• Develop therapeutic play programs and facilitate group activities.
• Educate patients and families about medical procedures and diagnoses in a way that they can understand.
• Provide emotional support to patients and families before, during, and after medical procedures.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure a comprehensive care plan.
• Document patient interactions and progress.
• Help siblings and other family members cope with their loved one’s illness or injury.
• Coordinate special events, donations, and volunteers to improve patient experience.

 

Qualifications

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential is required.
• Experience in a pediatric healthcare setting.
• Strong understanding of child development and family dynamics.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex medical information in simple terms.
• Exceptional empathy and patience to support children and families in stressful situations.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Child Life Specialist
• Work Environment: Primarily hospital-based with some outpatient work possible. Some weekends or holidays may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Child Life Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 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, a copy of your CCLS credential, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Child Life Specialist Do?

Child Life Specialists typically work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, or therapeutic settings, helping children and their families navigate the emotional and psychological challenges associated with illness, injury, disability, or hospitalization.

They provide age-appropriate explanations and interventions to help children understand and cope with medical procedures, tests, or surgeries.

This can include therapeutic play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities.

Child Life Specialists also support families by providing information, advocacy, and coping strategies.

They communicate with the entire medical team to ensure the child’s emotional and developmental needs are met.

In addition to this, they may also coordinate special events, entertainment, or visits for children in healthcare facilities to make their stay more enjoyable and less stressful.

Their role involves being a source of comfort and reassurance, reducing anxiety, and promoting positive coping strategies in children facing medical challenges.

They are a vital part of the healthcare team, serving as a bridge between the medical staff and the patient and their family.

 

Child Life Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Child Life Specialist should possess the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Experience and knowledge in child development and psychology to understand and cater to the developmental needs of children in healthcare settings.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with children of various ages and their families, explaining medical procedures and conditions in a manner they can comprehend.
• Exceptional patience and compassion to provide emotional support to children and their families during stressful medical situations.
• Creativity and resourcefulness to develop therapeutic activities and interventions that reduce anxiety and improve the child’s overall healthcare experience.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities to quickly assess and respond to the emotional and physical needs of children in a healthcare setting.
• Collaborative skills to work effectively with a team of healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists.
• Certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) from the Association of Child Life Professionals, or similar recognized qualifications.

 

Child Life Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Child Life Specialists typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field.

Most programs require an internship or practicum, which provides valuable hands-on experience working with children in a healthcare setting.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience often gain this through roles such as Child Life Assistant, Child Life Intern, or other healthcare roles focused on child development and psychological support.

Those with more than 3 years of experience may have developed their skills and knowledge in a Child Life Specialist role, working in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or outpatient care facilities.

They may be responsible for planning and coordinating therapeutic play activities, providing emotional support to children and families, and educating staff about child development and psychology.

Child Life Specialists with more than 5 years of experience often have some supervisory or leadership experience, and may be ready for roles such as Child Life Specialist Team Leader or Child Life Services Manager.

They may also be involved in training and supervising interns and new staff, developing departmental policies and procedures, and contributing to research in the field of child life.

It is important to note that becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is a common requirement for this role.

This certification requires a minimum amount of work experience, along with passing a rigorous exam.

Therefore, pursuing this certification can be a significant part of the experience requirements for a Child Life Specialist.

 

Child Life Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Child Life Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to child life, human growth and development, education, psychology, or a related field of study.

Most employers require Child Life Specialists to have certification from the Child Life Council, which requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, a 480-hour child life internship, and passing a certification examination.

Those who want to gain an edge over other candidates might choose to pursue a master’s degree in Child Life or a related field.

These programs offer a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional needs of children, as well as advanced strategies for meeting those needs.

Child Life Specialists must complete a specified number of continuing education units every five years to maintain their certification.

This could include attending workshops, seminars, or additional courses, which ensures that they stay updated with the latest developments in the field.

Additionally, Child Life Specialists need to possess strong communication skills as they often work with a team of healthcare professionals and need to effectively communicate with children and their families.

They also need to have strong problem-solving skills to help children deal with difficult situations.

 

Child Life Specialist Salary Expectations

A Child Life Specialist earns an average salary of $51,268 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can differ based on the professional’s experience, education, and the geographical location of the job.

Some additional factors like size of the healthcare institution, population served, and level of responsibility can also influence the salary.

 

Child Life Specialist Job Description FAQs

What kind of education does a Child Life Specialist need?

A Child Life Specialist typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field.

Additionally, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a Child Life internship or have prior work experience in a pediatric setting.

Certification from the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) may also be required.

 

What are the daily responsibilities of a Child Life Specialist?

A Child Life Specialist’s primary role is to help children and their families navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of hospitalization, illness, and medical treatment.

On a typical day, they might provide therapeutic play sessions to help a child understand their medical condition, or provide counselling to a family dealing with a new diagnosis.

They may also coordinate special events or activities to provide a sense of normalcy in the hospital environment.

 

What skills are important for a Child Life Specialist?

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for a Child Life Specialist, as they must be able to interact with children of various ages, families, and medical professionals.

Empathy, patience, and creativity are also important, as they must find ways to explain complex medical conditions to children in a way that is understandable and less frightening.

Child Life Specialists should also be organized and have good problem-solving skills to coordinate care and support for multiple patients at once.

 

What should I look for in a Child Life Specialist resume?

In a Child Life Specialist resume, look for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with certification from the ACLP.

Prior experience in a pediatric healthcare setting is a major plus.

The resume should also highlight important skills such as patient education, family support, therapeutic play, and crisis intervention.

Participation in professional development activities or additional training courses can also be a good sign of a dedicated and skilled candidate.

 

What qualities make a good Child Life Specialist?

A good Child Life Specialist is compassionate, empathetic, and has a genuine interest in helping children and families during difficult times.

They should be creative and adaptable, capable of tailoring their approach to suit each child’s unique needs and circumstances.

They should also have excellent communication skills, able to explain complex medical concepts in a way that is easy for children to understand.

Resilience and emotional strength are also important, as the role can be emotionally demanding.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve shed light on the meaningful work of a Child Life Specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about play therapy and games.

It’s about shaping the future, one child at a time.

With our go-to Child Life Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to meticulous job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with a child is a step towards a brighter tomorrow.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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