Pediatric Medical Play Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare field, the role of Pediatric Medical Play Specialists has never been more vital.

As medical advancements progress, so does the demand for dedicated individuals who can support, guide and facilitate the emotional wellbeing of children in healthcare settings.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pediatric Medical Play Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager preparing the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the specialized field of pediatric healthcare,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we provide a customizable Pediatric Medical Play Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Medical Play Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Medical Play Specialists work closely with children in medical settings, using play therapy techniques to help them understand and cope with their medical conditions and treatments.

They serve as a bridge between the medical team and the child, ensuring that the child’s emotional and mental well-being is considered alongside their physical health.

Pediatric Medical Play Specialists have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Plan and implement therapeutic play programs for children of all ages
• Help children understand their illnesses and treatments through the medium of play
• Act as a liaison between the child and medical staff, explaining the child’s worries or fears
• Offer support to families, helping them understand the child’s feelings and reactions
• Prepare children for medical procedures, using play to explain what will happen
• Provide age-appropriate education about health, hygiene, and nutrition
• Monitor and document the child’s progress and reactions to treatments
• Advocate for the child’s emotional and psychological needs within the medical setting
• Collaborate with the wider medical and psychological team to ensure holistic care

 

Pediatric Medical Play Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a compassionate and experienced Pediatric Medical Play Specialist to join our healthcare team.

Your role will be to design and implement therapeutic play activities for children in our healthcare facility.

You’ll be helping children understand their medical procedures and cope with their illnesses or injuries.

This often involves using play to explain complex medical information to children.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in child development, a passion for helping children, and a creative approach to problem solving.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and implement therapeutic play programs for pediatric patients
• Utilize play to help children understand and cope with their medical condition
• Work closely with healthcare team to understand the medical needs of each patient
• Provide emotional support for children and their families
• Coordinate with child life specialists and other professionals in the hospital
• Create a safe and comfortable environment for children
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the play therapy
• Document patients’ progress and responses to play therapy

 

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or eligible for certification
• Experience working with children in a hospital or healthcare setting
• Strong understanding of child development and how illness and hospitalization affects it
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex medical procedures in a way children can understand
• Empathetic and compassionate
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Medical Play Specialist
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. Some physical activity, including lifting and moving play equipment, may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Child Life Services Manager or Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 Pediatric Medical Play Specialist Do?

Pediatric Medical Play Specialists, often working in children’s hospitals or pediatric units, provide therapeutic play services to children and adolescents to help them understand and cope with their medical conditions and treatments.

They use medical play techniques to explain complex medical procedures to children in a simplified and understandable manner.

These specialists often use dolls, teddy bears, medical equipment or other toys to demonstrate medical procedures, helping to reduce the child’s fear and anxiety.

Pediatric Medical Play Specialists also assist in preparing children for upcoming surgeries or medical procedures by helping them to understand what to expect, which can significantly reduce their stress and apprehension.

In addition to their work with children, these specialists also provide support and guidance to families, helping them understand how therapeutic play can be used to assist their child’s healing process.

They work closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers, to ensure a holistic approach to the child’s healthcare and well-being.

 

Pediatric Medical Play Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Medical Play Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Knowledge and understanding of child development and psychology to engage children effectively in medical play.
• Excellent communication skills for explaining medical procedures and conditions to children in a way they can understand.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to relate to children and their families, providing emotional support during stressful situations.
• Ability to use play therapy techniques to help children cope with their fears and anxieties about medical procedures.
• Problem-solving skills to devise creative solutions that make medical procedures more comfortable and less intimidating for children.
• Patience and compassion to work with children who may be scared, sick, or uncooperative.
• Teamwork abilities to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and child life specialists.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple patients, schedule play sessions, and maintain records.

 

Pediatric Medical Play Specialist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Medical Play Specialists often start their journey by earning a degree in child life, psychology, counseling, or a related field.

This academic experience provides a foundational understanding of child development and family systems.

Students typically gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work in pediatric healthcare settings.

This hands-on experience is vital as it allows them to put theory into practice, helping children understand their medical conditions and procedures through therapeutic play.

Those aiming to become a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) – a certification that many employers prefer – need to complete a 600-hour child life internship under the supervision of a CCLS.

After certification, entry-level Pediatric Medical Play Specialists usually have 1 to 3 years of experience.

They generally start in supportive roles, assisting more experienced specialists in therapeutic play sessions and child-life programs.

Candidates with over 3 to 5 years of experience often have advanced skills and a broader understanding of pediatric healthcare.

They might have specialized experience in areas such as trauma, long-term illness, or outpatient care.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have leadership or supervisory experience, having guided a team of child-life professionals, and could be ready for managerial or program director positions.

Continued professional development through workshops, seminars, and additional certifications is also common among experienced Pediatric Medical Play Specialists.

 

Pediatric Medical Play Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Medical Play Specialists typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology or a related field.

They must complete a 600-hour Child Life Council-certified internship, which provides hands-on experience working with children and families in a healthcare setting.

After completing their degree and internship, individuals can become a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) by passing an exam from the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

Continuing education is also important in this role, as it helps Pediatric Medical Play Specialists to stay updated with the latest therapeutic play techniques and research in child psychology.

Some Pediatric Medical Play Specialists may also choose to pursue a master’s degree in Child Life or a related field to enhance their knowledge and expertise.

Experience working with children, especially those with health conditions, is highly beneficial in this role.

Finally, Pediatric Medical Play Specialists must also have strong communication skills and the ability to empathize with children and their families, as they often work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

 

Pediatric Medical Play Specialist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Medical Play Specialist can expect to earn an average salary of $46,890 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as geographical location, years of experience in the field, and the specific organization they are working for.

 

Pediatric Medical Play Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Medical Play Specialist need?

Pediatric Medical Play Specialists should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they need to interact effectively with children, parents, and medical staff.

They should possess a deep understanding of child development and psychology.

Creativity, patience, and empathy are also crucial for designing and implementing therapeutic play activities that help children process their medical experiences.

 

Do Pediatric Medical Play Specialists need a degree?

Yes, most Pediatric Medical Play Specialists need a bachelor’s degree in child development, child life, psychology, or a related field.

Some roles may require a master’s degree.

Further, specialists also need to complete a 480-hour internship under the supervision of a certified child life specialist and pass an examination to become certified.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Medical Play Specialist resume?

Look for a degree in a relevant field, certification as a child life specialist, and experience working with children in healthcare settings.

Practical experience gained through internships or volunteer work is also beneficial.

Additional qualifications such as CPR and First Aid certification, and knowledge of childhood illnesses and treatments can be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Medical Play Specialist?

A good Pediatric Medical Play Specialist should have a genuine passion for working with children and a deep understanding of their needs.

They should be able to empathize with children and families going through medical challenges.

Creativity is essential in designing therapeutic play activities.

They should also have the ability to stay calm and provide reassurance in stressful situations.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Medical Play Specialists?

Hiring a Pediatric Medical Play Specialist can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate with a unique combination of education, certification, and experience in child life.

The role requires a deep understanding of child development and the ability to work in emotionally challenging situations, which not all candidates may possess.

Offering competitive benefits, ongoing training opportunities, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified professionals.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

We’ve just revealed the true essence of being a Pediatric Medical Play Specialist.

Guess what?

It’s not only about playing with kids.

It’s about making a profound difference in a child’s life, one play session at a time.

With our definitive Pediatric Medical Play Specialist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But don’t stop here.

Deepen your understanding with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each play session is a part of a bigger journey.

Let’s transform lives. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Medical Play Specialist (Complete Guide)

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