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Child Development Hospital Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Child Life Specialist acts as an advocate for children and their families with the hospital and uses their knowledge of child development to enhance the hospital environment for pediatric patients.

Child Life Specialist acts as an advocate for children and their families with the hospital and uses their knowledge of child development to enhance the hospital environment for pediatric patients.

Child Life Specialist acts as an advocate for children and their families with the hospital and uses their knowledge of child development to enhance the hospital environment for pediatric patients.

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Child Development Hospital information

See Florida salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do child development hospital jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for child development hospital in Florida is $14.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $15.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Child Development Hospital vs Pediatric Occupational Therapist?

AspectChild Development HospitalPediatric Occupational Therapist
CredentialsVaries; often includes pediatric healthcare certificationsRequires a master's degree in occupational therapy and state licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, specialized pediatric centersHospitals, clinics, schools, outpatient settings
Industry UsageUsed for facilities providing comprehensive pediatric careUsed for individual therapy services for children with developmental delays
Common Search/ComparisonChild Development Hospital vs Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Child Development Hospitals provide comprehensive pediatric care, often including multiple specialties, while Pediatric Occupational Therapists focus specifically on helping children improve daily living skills through therapy. Both roles are essential in supporting children's developmental health but differ in scope and setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a child development hospital setting, and why are they important?

To excel in a Child Development Hospital, professionals typically need a background in child psychology, pediatrics, or developmental therapy, often supported by relevant degrees and state licensure. Familiarity with developmental assessment tools, electronic health records, and intervention planning software is crucial. Strong communication, patience, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills for working effectively with children and their families. These competencies ensure accurate diagnosis, tailored intervention, and compassionate support for optimal developmental outcomes.

How does a professional working in a child development hospital typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support patient care?

In a Child Development Hospital, professionals such as child development specialists, therapists, and pediatricians regularly collaborate within multidisciplinary teams that may include psychologists, social workers, and educators. This teamwork ensures a holistic approach to each child's care, addressing medical, developmental, and psychosocial needs. Regular case meetings, shared care plans, and joint assessments are common practices, allowing for comprehensive and coordinated interventions. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are essential for success in this environment, as team members frequently share insights and strategies to achieve the best outcomes for each child.

What is a child development hospital?

Child Development Hospitals are specialized healthcare facilities focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of developmental, behavioral, and emotional issues in children. These hospitals typically offer multidisciplinary teams, including pediatricians, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers. Their goal is to support children and families by providing individualized care plans, therapies, and education to help each child reach their full potential. They may also work closely with schools and community resources to coordinate care and advocate for the child's needs.
Infographic showing various Child Development Hospital job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,895 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Certified Child Life Specialist 3

Tampa General Hospital

Tampa, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Tampa General Hospital rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 1,059 rated hospitals


Job description

The Certified Child Life Specialist 1 (CCLS 1) supports the delivery of comprehensive, developmentally informed care within the Muma's Children Hospital and other TGH units/clinics. Responsible for planning and implementing therapeutic interventions that address the psychosocial, emotional, and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families during hospitalization. Utilizing foundational knowledge of child development and family systems, the CCLS 1 facilitates coping and resilience through evidence-based practices such as therapeutic play, procedural preparation, education, and emotional support. Collaborates with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and allied health professionals, to integrate child life services into the overall care plan, ensuring that each child's cultural, emotional, and developmental needs are met. Responsible for performing job duties in accordance with mission, vision, and values of Tampa General Hospital. 

Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Demonstrates entry-level knowledge of medical terminology and its implications for birth to age 18.   

  • Demonstrates proficiency in facilitating family involvement and supporting adjustment to injury, illness, or hospitalization for birth to age 18.      

  • Demonstrates ability to conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments; anticipate concerns and develop individualized care plans, including short- and long-term goals for birth to age 18.        

  • Demonstrates ability to implement developmentally-appropriate play, education, therapeutic play and coping interventions; evaluate and adapt based on outcomes for birth to age 18.        

  • Demonstrates ability to promote pain management and positive coping through preparation, distraction, and support for birth to age 18.           

  • Demonstrates developmental knowledge of infants, toddlers, school-aged and adolescent children, in addition to knowledge of neurodivergence.              

  • Demonstrates knowledge of theoretical foundations of Child Life Practice (child development, play, stress and coping, family systems, patient- and family-centered care).             

  • Demonstrates knowledge of trauma-informed care framework and application in Child Life Practice at a Level 1 Trauma Program at a Children's Hospital within an Academic Medical Center.             

  • Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and clinical skills to serve patients in the following settings of the Children's Hospital; including Inpatient units: Pediatric Medical Surgical Unit, PICU and OR, as well as the Outpatient units: Pediatric Day Hospital, Pediatric Dialysis, Pediatric ED, Pediatric Trauma Bay, Radiology, OR and other off-site ambulatory clinics at a Children's Hospital within an Academic Medical Center.  

  • Demonstrates knowledge and skill in bereavement interventions (Example: memory making, including Beats of Love, sibling support and visitation, family support in patient care areas, as well as patient care conferences).

  • Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Child Development , or Child Life related courses endorsed by Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) 

  • Required certifications: Certified Child Required Life Specialist , Certified Autism Healthcare Professional (CAHP), Trauma Informed Care for Childcare Professionals (TICC) , and Child Life Disaster Relief Responder (CLDR) , an Child Life related Certification approved by management (e.g. i.e. Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist (ITDS))

  • Minimum five (5) years of professional experience as a CCLS or an equivalent combination of education/certification and realized competencies.

  • Minimum one (1) year of experience as a CCLS 2 at TGH.


What Tampa General Hospital employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Tampa General Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Tampa General Hospital was named the #1 hospital in Tampa Bay by U.S. News & World Report, 2020-2021, and recognized as one of America's Best Hospital's in five medical specialties: Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Nephrology, and Orthopedics. Tampa General Hospital has been designated a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the highest recognition for nursing excellence, for the fourth consecutive time - an accomplishment that fewer than one percent of hospitals nationwide have earned. TGH is accredited by The Joint Commission and was awarded disease-specific certification in five medical specialties. TGH is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). *Air transport provided by Metro Aviation, Inc.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US

Year founded

1927