Child Life Technology Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of modernized childcare, the importance of Child Life Technology Specialists has become more apparent than ever.
As technology progresses, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can incorporate, enhance, and secure our digital resources tailored for child life services.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Child Life Technology Specialist?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to comprehend the nuances of this role,
- A hiring manager aiming to conceptualize the ideal candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the intersection of technology and child life care,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Child Life Technology Specialist job description template, crafted for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Child Life Technology Specialist Duties and Responsibilities
Child Life Technology Specialists combine their understanding of child development and therapeutic intervention with technology to support pediatric patients and their families in healthcare settings.
They utilize technology to provide age-appropriate education, distraction, and therapeutic play.
They have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Assess the developmental and emotional needs of pediatric patients
- Design, implement, and evaluate therapeutic interventions using technology to meet those needs
- Recommend and source suitable technological tools and devices
- Create and maintain a safe, age-appropriate, and therapeutic technology environment
- Train and educate healthcare professionals, patients, and their families on the use of therapeutic technology
- Ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of technological tools and devices
- Document all interactions and interventions for future reference and continual improvement of services
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare team to provide holistic care
- Stay updated on the latest research and advances in child life technology and adopt best practices
Child Life Technology Specialist Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Child Life Technology Specialist to join our team.
In this role, you will be responsible for integrating technology into therapeutic activities and programs for children.
The ideal candidate should be able to understand and cater to the unique needs of children, using technology to educate, distract, and entertain them during their hospital stay.
Responsibilities
- Plan, develop and implement technology-based therapeutic and educational programs for children
- Collaborate with Child Life Specialists, healthcare providers, and families to identify patient needs and incorporate technology into the care plan
- Evaluate and suggest appropriate technology resources, such as apps, games, and interactive devices for therapeutic use
- Ensure patient safety and privacy in the use of technology
- Provide training and guidance to staff and families on how to use therapeutic technology
- Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in child life technology
- Maintain records of technology usage and effectiveness
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Psychology, Social Work, Education, or related field
- Experience working with children, preferably in a healthcare setting
- Familiarity with a wide range of technology including software, apps, and devices appropriate for children
- Ability to assess the needs of children and develop appropriate technology-based solutions
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential is a plus
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Continuing education opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Child Life Technology Specialist
- Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare setting. Some weekend and evening work 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: $48,000 minimum to $72,000 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 Technology Specialist Do?
Child Life Technology Specialists primarily work in healthcare environments, such as hospitals and clinics, where they use their knowledge of technology and child development to assist children and their families in navigating the healthcare system.
They apply their knowledge of child life principles to design, implement, and evaluate innovative technology-based tools and programs aimed at reducing stress and improving patient outcomes.
These tools and programs may involve virtual reality, digital games, mobile apps, and other digital platforms that can help distract, educate, and empower children during their hospital stay.
Child Life Technology Specialists work closely with a multi-disciplinary team, including child life specialists, doctors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists, to integrate these technological solutions into the child’s care plan.
They are also responsible for training other healthcare professionals in the use of these technologies and ensuring that they are used safely and effectively.
Child Life Technology Specialists may also be involved in conducting research to assess the efficacy of technology-based interventions and are expected to stay current with the latest research and developments in the field.
They play a critical role in helping children and their families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges associated with hospitalization and illness.
Child Life Technology Specialist Qualifications and Skills
A Child Life Technology Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the complex and specialized nature of their job role, such as:
- Extensive knowledge in child development theories and their practical applications to support the developmental and emotional needs of children and adolescents.
- Technical skills to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain various types of therapeutic and educational technology used in child life practice.
- Strong understanding of therapeutic techniques to create developmentally appropriate interventions utilizing technology.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with children, families, and healthcare professionals.
- Empathy and emotional resilience to support children and their families during emotionally challenging situations.
- Ability to design, implement, and evaluate child life programs and services using technology to enhance children’s understanding and coping with medical procedures, illness, and hospitalization.
- Certification or eligibility for certification as a Child Life Specialist is often required.
- Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, such as patient privacy and data security.
- Problem-solving skills to adapt technology solutions to the individual needs of each child.
- Collaboration skills to work with multidisciplinary teams focused on patient care.
Child Life Technology Specialist Experience Requirements
Child Life Technology Specialists usually require a Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology or a related field.
While completing their degree, many aspiring Child Life Technology Specialists gain experience through internships or part-time roles in pediatric healthcare settings.
Candidates often need at least 1 to 2 years of experience working directly with children in a hospital or healthcare setting.
This allows them to gain a deep understanding of the developmental needs of children and the use of technology to provide educational and therapeutic support.
Entry-level Child Life Technology Specialists are typically expected to have experience in utilizing technology such as tablets, gaming systems, and other digital platforms to engage and support children during their healthcare journey.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a broader scope of skills and knowledge, including patient advocacy, program development, and therapeutic intervention planning.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience and are often involved in training and supervising new Child Life Technology Specialists.
Moreover, certification from the Child Life Council, demonstrating a high level of proficiency and knowledge in the field, is often required.
This certification is obtained after completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours and passing an exam.
Child Life Technology Specialist Education and Training Requirements
A Child Life Technology Specialist typically holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a closely related field.
They are usually required to have completed an internship in a child life program, typically consisting of 600 hours or more.
In addition to this, certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is often required.
This certification demonstrates that the individual has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in the field.
The certification process usually involves a combination of education, internship experience, and successful completion of the Child Life Professional Certification Exam.
Many professionals in this field also pursue a master’s degree in Child Life or a related discipline to further refine their skills and knowledge, although this is not always a requirement.
Familiarity with digital and assistive technology is essential, as Child Life Technology Specialists often use these tools to facilitate communication, play, learning, and therapeutic activities for children in healthcare settings.
Continuing education is also important in this role, as technology continues to evolve and new therapeutic techniques are developed.
This ongoing learning can be achieved through workshops, seminars, and advanced courses.
Professionals may also wish to join relevant professional organizations, such as the Association of Child Life Professionals, to stay updated on industry trends and connect with other professionals in the field.
Child Life Technology Specialist Salary Expectations
A Child Life Technology Specialist earns an average salary of $51,600 (USD) per year.
However, the actual salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, location, and the employing institution.
Child Life Technology Specialist Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Child Life Technology Specialist need?
A Child Life Technology Specialist needs strong knowledge of technology and its applications, particularly in the healthcare setting.
They should be comfortable with various types of tech equipment, software, and tools used in child life services.
Strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and patience are important, as they often need to explain complex concepts to children, parents, and healthcare staff.
They should also have a genuine interest in child development and healthcare.
Do Child Life Technology Specialists need a degree?
Yes, a Child Life Technology Specialist generally needs a degree.
The most common field of study is Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field.
They may also need specific training or certifications in healthcare technology or information systems.
What should you look for in a Child Life Technology Specialist resume?
When reviewing a Child Life Technology Specialist’s resume, look for a relevant degree and any additional certifications in technology or healthcare.
Prior experience working with children in a healthcare setting is valuable.
Skills to look for include familiarity with various technologies, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills.
What qualities make a good Child Life Technology Specialist?
A good Child Life Technology Specialist is patient, empathetic, and has a genuine interest in the welfare of children.
They must be tech-savvy and able to quickly adapt to new technologies and tools.
They should have excellent problem-solving skills to troubleshoot tech-related issues.
Good communication skills are crucial as they need to explain complex technical concepts to children, their families, and healthcare staff.
What are the daily duties of a Child Life Technology Specialist?
Daily duties of a Child Life Technology Specialist may include maintaining and managing technological equipment used in child life services, troubleshooting any technical issues, training staff on the use of technology, and working directly with children to use technology in their therapeutic care.
They also communicate with various healthcare staff and family members to ensure a smooth integration of technology into a child’s treatment plan.
Conclusion
And so, we’ve come to the end of our journey.
Today, we’ve revealed the real essence of what it means to be a Child Life Technology Specialist.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about managing technology.
It’s about creating a better world for children, one innovative solution at a time.
With our comprehensive Child Life Technology Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.
But why halt your progress?
Go further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for constructing top-notch job listings or refining your resume to absolute precision.
Never forget:
Every innovative solution contributes to the larger mission.
Let’s enhance the lives of children. Together.
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