Hospital Child Life Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of healthcare, the role of a hospital child life assistant is of paramount importance.

As our society advances, the demand for compassionate professionals who can guide, support, and comfort our youngest patients grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a hospital child life assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker keen to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to draft the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of pediatric healthcare,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable hospital child life assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Hospital Child Life Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Hospital Child Life Assistants play a vital role in supporting children and their families during hospitalization.

They use their understanding of child development to provide age-appropriate care and to help children cope with the emotional stress and anxiety associated with hospital stays.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Working closely with a certified child life specialist to provide therapeutic play and activities
• Assisting in the preparation of children for medical procedures, surgeries, and tests
• Supporting the emotional and developmental needs of children in the hospital
• Communicating effectively with children and their families to explain procedures and provide emotional support
• Collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure the child’s overall well-being during their hospital stay
• Organizing and managing playrooms and therapeutic play materials
• Documenting interactions and interventions with children and families
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of special events and activities for hospitalized children
• Participating in team meetings, trainings, and continuing education programs
• Adhering to hospital policies, procedures, and safety standards

 

Hospital Child Life Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Hospital Child Life Assistant to join our team.

The Hospital Child Life Assistant will provide support and comfort to children and their families during hospital visits or stays.

They will engage children in therapeutic play, activities, and educational programs that promote effective coping.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience working with children, have a strong understanding of child development, and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing therapeutic play and activities for children
• Help in facilitating educational programs for children and their families about medical procedures and health conditions
• Provide emotional support and assistance to children and families during medical procedures
• Coordinate with medical staff to ensure continuity of care and communication
• Maintain a clean, safe, and inviting environment in the playroom
• Document and report on children’s progress and response to activities
• Participate in staff meetings and ongoing professional development

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children in a hospital or healthcare setting
• A bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or a related field is preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with children of all ages and developmental stages
• Understanding of child development and the impact of hospitalization on this process
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and maintain professional relationships
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hospital Child Life Assistant
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. May require standing for long periods and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Child Life Specialist or Child Life Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 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 Hospital Child Life Assistant Do?

Hospital Child Life Assistants are professionals who work in a healthcare setting, primarily focusing on the welfare and well-being of children who are patients.

They are responsible for providing therapeutic play activities for children to reduce anxiety and stress related to hospitalization.

These activities could include arts and crafts, games, storytelling, and other interactive forms of entertainment.

Hospital Child Life Assistants work closely with Child Life Specialists to develop individualized care plans that address the emotional, developmental, and psychosocial needs of each child.

They also play a crucial role in helping children understand their medical conditions and procedures through age-appropriate education and preparation.

In addition, they often offer support to families, providing them with strategies to cope with their child’s illness or hospital stay.

Hospital Child Life Assistants may assist with coordinating special events or visits for children to make their hospital stay more enjoyable.

Their ultimate goal is to create a supportive, positive environment that promotes optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization.

 

Hospital Child Life Assistant Qualifications and Skills

Hospital Child Life Assistants require a blend of specialized qualifications, empathetic interpersonal skills, and technical knowledge.

Here are some primary skills and qualifications desired:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field to ensure an understanding of the developmental needs of children.
• Certification or eligibility for certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) to ensure professional standards are met.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with children of different age groups and their families, explaining procedures and comforting them in times of stress.
• Empathy and patience to support children and their families during challenging times, offering emotional support and creating a comforting environment.
• Creativity to develop engaging therapeutic play activities that can help children process their experiences and emotions.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, to ensure a coordinated care approach.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address various situations that may arise in a hospital setting, such as calming a distressed child or dealing with a family crisis.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and hospital procedures to effectively communicate with healthcare professionals and understand a child’s medical situation.

 

Hospital Child Life Assistant Experience Requirements

Hospital Child Life Assistants typically need a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field as a foundation for their career.

This degree provides fundamental knowledge on child development and psychology, which are essential in this role.

Internships or practicums in child life services in a hospital setting are usually required to gain hands-on experience in providing emotional support to children and their families during hospitalization.

It’s common for prospective Child Life Assistants to have at least 480 hours of experience through supervised clinical internships.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience in a child-related field such as pediatric healthcare, social work, or education.

This experience often involves direct work with children and families in stressful situations, providing emotional support, and planning age-appropriate activities.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience might have served in roles such as Child Life Specialist, Pediatric Counselor, or Family Support Worker.

They have typically developed stronger skills in therapeutic intervention, patient assessment, and crisis management.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership or supervisory experience and could be prepared for a role such as Child Life Program Coordinator or Manager.

They are likely to have advanced skills in program development, staff training, and administrative tasks.

 

Hospital Child Life Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Hospital Child Life Assistants typically require a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field.

An essential aspect of their education includes knowledge of child development and family systems.

Coursework in psychology, human development, family studies, and education are also beneficial.

Many hospitals require Child Life Assistants to be certified by the Child Life Council.

To be eligible for certification, candidates must have completed a 480-hour child life clinical internship supervised by a certified Child Life Specialist.

For certification, candidates must pass an exam demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of the principles of child life.

This includes child development theory, the impact of illness and injury on children and families, and intervention strategies to reduce child stress and anxiety.

In addition, many hospitals prefer candidates to have some experience working with children, such as through volunteering or internships.

To maintain certification, Child Life Assistants must engage in ongoing professional development and learning, which can be achieved through attending workshops, conferences, and other educational opportunities.

 

Hospital Child Life Assistant Salary Expectations

A Hospital Child Life Assistant earns an average salary of $39,021 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may fluctuate based on experience, certification, geographical location, and the hospital or healthcare facility they work for.

 

Hospital Child Life Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Hospital Child Life Assistant need?

Hospital Child Life Assistants should have strong interpersonal and communication skills as they are required to interact with children of various ages, their families, and medical professionals daily.

They should also possess empathy and the ability to handle stressful situations, as they assist children in understanding and coping with their illnesses.

Patience, creativity, and problem-solving skills are also crucial in this role to plan and execute therapeutic and recreational activities for children.

 

Do Hospital Child Life Assistants need a degree?

Yes, most hospitals require Child Life Assistants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field.

Additionally, a certification from the Child Life Council may be beneficial or even required for some positions.

 

What should you look for in a Hospital Child Life Assistant resume?

A Hospital Child Life Assistant resume should display a degree in a relevant field and any certifications related to child life.

It should also highlight experience working with children, particularly in a hospital or healthcare setting.

Skills like interpersonal communication, empathy, patience, and creativity should be evident, as well as any specialized training in child development or child psychology.

 

What qualities make a good Hospital Child Life Assistant?

A good Hospital Child Life Assistant is empathetic and sensitive to the needs and emotions of the children and families they work with.

They should be patient, understanding, and capable of explaining complex medical concepts in a way that a child can understand.

Strong problem-solving skills and creativity are important for developing age-appropriate activities and therapeutic interventions.

Additionally, they should be resilient and able to handle stress well, as the job can be emotionally demanding.

 

What are the daily duties of a Hospital Child Life Assistant?

On a typical day, a Hospital Child Life Assistant may meet with children and their families to provide emotional support, explain medical procedures, and answer any questions they may have.

They may also plan and conduct therapeutic play activities to help children cope with their hospital stay.

They often work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the child’s well-being, attending meetings to discuss the child’s progress and any concerns.

They also document interactions and update records as needed.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the curtain on the rewarding role of a Hospital Child Life Assistant.

Surprised?

It’s not just about playing games with children.

It’s about nurturing hope, fostering resilience, and impacting lives, one child at a time.

With our go-to Hospital Child Life Assistant job description template and real-life examples, you’re well-equipped to embark on this fulfilling journey.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating precise listings or optimizing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction you have with a child is part of a bigger purpose.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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