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Child Life Activity Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

The Child Life Activity Coordinator plans and coordinates a variety of child life activities designed to reduce the stress and anxiety accompanying hospitalization and other health care encounters.

Shriners Children's

Child Life Specialist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$26.35 - $51.06/hr

Child Life Specialist minimize anxiety and aids children and adolescents in coping with the ... Facilitates a therapeutic play program in cooperation with the Activities Coordinators promoting ...

Shrinerschildrens

Child Life Specialist

Sacramento, CA

$26.35 - $51.06/hr

Child Life Specialist minimize anxiety and aids children and adolescents in coping with the ... Facilitates a therapeutic play program in cooperation with the Activities Coordinators promoting ...

Essentia Health

Child Life Specialist

Duluth, MN

$26.76 - $40.14/hr

The position also coordinates and oversees volunteers' activities during volunteers' time in pediatric patient care areas. Must currently have a Child Life Professional Certification or be currently ...

Essentia Health

Child Life Specialist

Duluth, MN · On-site

$26.76 - $40.14/hr

The position also coordinates and oversees volunteers' activities during volunteers' time in pediatric patient care areas. Must currently have a Child Life Professional Certification or be currently ...

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How much do child life activity jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for child life activity in the United States is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by child life activity specialists when supporting children in medical settings?

Child Life Activity Specialists often face the challenge of addressing the diverse emotional needs of children who may feel anxious or fearful due to hospitalization. They must balance engaging children in therapeutic activities while also providing support to families and collaborating with medical staff. Managing time effectively to serve multiple patients, adapting activities to various developmental levels, and maintaining a calm demeanor during stressful situations are also key challenges. Strong communication and flexibility are essential for success in this rewarding yet demanding role.

What is a child life activity specialist?

Child Life Activity specialists are trained professionals who help children and families cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, and disability. They use play, education, and other therapeutic activities to support children's emotional and developmental needs in healthcare settings. Their goal is to minimize stress and anxiety, promote normal growth, and help children understand and manage their experiences. Child Life Activity specialists also provide support and guidance to families during difficult times.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child life activity specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Life Activity Specialist, you typically need a background in child development, psychology, or related fields, often supported by a bachelor's degree and, in some cases, Child Life Certification (CCLS). Familiarity with therapeutic play techniques, hospital protocols, and documentation systems is important for effective intervention and record-keeping. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, empathy, and the ability to communicate with children and families distinguish outstanding professionals in this role. These skills are crucial for supporting pediatric patients' emotional well-being, reducing anxiety, and promoting positive coping strategies during medical experiences.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Child Life Activity jobs? The most popular types of Child Life Activity jobs are:
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Child Life Activity jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Life Activity job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,254 per year, or $16 per hour.

Child Life Activity Coordinator | Le Bonheur's Child Life Dept | FT Day

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life

Posted 13 days ago

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!

We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we've served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.

The Child Life Activity Coordinator plans and coordinates a variety of child life activities designed to reduce the stress and anxiety accompanying hospitalization and other health care encounters. Coordinates the receipt, storage and distribution of in-kind donations. Plans, maintains, and provides programming for the child life programmatic programs. Serves as the primary escort for family members participating in the Parent Present Induction program. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.


Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.
A Brief Overview
The Child Life Activity Coordinator plans and coordinates a variety of child life activities designed to reduce the stress and anxiety accompanying hospitalization and other health care encounters. Coordinates the receipt, storage and distribution of in-kind donations. Plans, maintains, and provides programming for the child life programmatic programs. Serves as the primary escort for family members participating in the Parent Present Induction program. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.
What you will do
  • Develops, implements, and maintains the coordination of therapeutic programs designed to meet the physical, emotional, social and cognitive needs of hospitalized children.
  • Oversees and maintains Child Life specialty programs.
  • Receives, organizes, stocks and distributes all in-kind donations for Child Life Services.
  • Functions as part of the team providing the Parent Present Induction program. Serves as the primary escort for the family member accompanying the child.
  • Coordinates the day-to-day child life activities of the volunteers and community visitors.
  • Performs other job functions as assigned or requested.

Education/Formal Training Requirements
  • Required - Bachelor's Degree Child Development
  • Required - Bachelor's Degree Early Childhood Education
  • Preferred - High School Diploma or Equivalent General Studies

Work Experience Requirements
  • Required - Working with children 0-1 years
  • Preferred - Substitutions Allowed: In lieu of Bachelor's degree, the candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent with four years of experience working with children. 3-5 years

Licenses and Certifications Requirements
  • Required - HEARTSAVER - American Heart Association

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Possesses problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain cohesive teams.
  • Ability to resolve concerns/problems in a professional, tactful manner.
  • Ability to provide a therapeutic and safe environment for individuals and groups.
  • Possesses planning and organizational skills to manage activities for children of all ages.
  • Exhibits and delivers strong customer service skills with patients, families, volunteer staff and the health care team.
  • Ability to learn and utilize computer applications and software.

Supervision Provided by this Position
  • There are no lead or supervisory responsibilities assigned to this position. Responsible for coordinating activities of the child life volunteers.

Physical Demands
  • The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
  • Must have good balance and coordination.
  • The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently.
  • The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
  • Frequent invasive and non-invasive patient contact.
  • Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.
  • Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.

Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.


Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.

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