Child Life Specialist
The Child Life Specialist at Confidential Client supports pediatric patients and their families through developmental and emotional interventions to improve patient experience and coping during surgical and medical procedures. This role involves assessment, therapeutic play, education, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to reduce patient fears and enhance care. The position requires professional certification and clinical experience, with responsibilities including event organization and volunteer supervision in a dynamic hospital environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Healthcare & Nursing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring a Child Life Specialist to support pediatric patients and families across surgical and clinical settings in Newburgh Heights, OH. The Child Life Specialist will deliver developmentally appropriate preparation, therapeutic play, and coping strategies to reduce fear and improve the patient experience.
- Assess developmental, social, and physical needs of assigned pediatric patients and provide interventions such as preparation and therapeutic play
- Document developmental level, emotional state, and responses to hospitalization and procedures
- Provide education, preparation, and therapeutic interventions for medical events based on developmental and emotional levels
- Teach and coach relaxation and coping techniques to patients and families to increase cooperation during tests and procedures
- Deliver diversional activities in playrooms and at the bedside tailored to individual capabilities and needs
- Educate parents and families about hospital resources and processes
- Participate in psychosocial and interdisciplinary team meetings to communicate developmental and psychosocial needs
- Organize and manage events, guest visits, support groups, and scheduled program activities
- Supervise and mentor volunteers, practicum/internship students and serve as a resource for professional development
- Maintain and manage play materials, supplies, and donated goods; ensure cleanliness and proper storage
- Represent the Child Life program on appropriate committees
Who You Are — Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or a related field
- Completion of an approved Child Life internship (minimum 600 hours) supervised by a Certified Child Life Specialist
- Must obtain professional certification (CCLS) through the Child Life Council within one year of hire and maintain certification thereafter; must sit for the exam at least annually until certified (extensions may be granted at manager discretion)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within one year of hire
Preferred Qualifications
- Two years and 4,000 hours of professional Child Life clinical experience in a hospital setting
- Experience with perioperative/presurgical child life supports and multidisciplinary surgery teams
- Strong program organization, volunteer supervision, and event coordination skills
Schedule & Location
- This position works extended shifts (examples: 7:00am–9:00pm or 10:00am–10:30pm)
- Role will float between Hillcrest and Fairview hospitals and may include assignments at affiliated Family Health Centers (FHC)
- Position is based in Newburgh Heights, OH (Cuyahoga County)
Physical & Safety Requirements
- Requires full range of body motion including handling/lifting patients, manual dexterity, and eye–hand coordination
- Frequent standing and walking; ability to work under stressful conditions and irregular hours
- Medium work: exerting 20–50 pounds occasionally, 10–25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly
- Exposure to communicable diseases and body fluids; follows Standard Precautions and uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Compensation
- Pay range for this posting (hourly): $18.88 — $28.80
- The posted range reflects anticipated pay for new hires; final compensation depends on experience, skills, and education. The range excludes additional pay practices (shift differentials, overtime) and benefits value.
Why Join
- Work within a collaborative interdisciplinary team focused on pediatric care
- Opportunities for professional development, group education, and attendance at national child-life conferences
- Leadership support and positive team communication culture
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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