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Child Life Activity Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

WakeMed

Child Life Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Meets child life competencies and other skills/activities in accordance with the . Participates in child life departmental meetings and other related functions. Oversees, educates, and acts as a ...

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How much do child life activity jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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 are Child Life Activity specialists?

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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Child Life Activity jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Life Activity job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,254 per year, or $16 per hour.
Child Life Specialist II - Anc Child Life

Child Life Specialist II - Anc Child Life

CHRISTUS Health

San Antonio, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

CHRISTUS Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 524 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

526th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description

Summary:

The Child Life Specialist II demonstrates progressive skill and knowledge of the therapeutic process of working with children and families; evaluating their development skills and psychosocial needs and providing them with a variety of appropriate and purposeful medical play and developmental experiences that will elevate their quality of life during the health care visit and enhance their personal development. Facilitates child life advocacy through collaboration with other health care providers. Serves as a leader in the department.

Responsibilities:

  • Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
  • Assesses the patients and families to include development, family stressors, impact of procedures, diagnosis, and health care; identifies complex needs for child life intervention
  • Observes and interprets the child/family's response to health care and illness
  • Implements planned and purposeful play activities /interventions which are supportive of the child's needs during the health care visit
  • Assesses and facilitates, through informal interaction and/or formal structured support groups or classes, topics such as stress & coping, adapting to illness & the health care experience, family dynamics, and other parenting-related topics
  • Documents observations of patient and family and patient response to interventions
  • Plans for, orders, and collects needed materials and equipment to support the therapeutic and educational activities within budgeted guidelines and in consultation with the Manager
  • Maintains an accurate account of patient contacts and other related productivity information
  • Serves as a resource to patients, families, and other healthcare team members regarding services available through child life and the community
  • Evaluates Child Life Programming in collaboration with the Manager
  • Supervises and guides interns, volunteers, and students in their Child Life learning experiences to include lectures, patient assignments, performance evaluation, and references, with direction from the Manager

Job Requirements:

Education/Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Child Life or a related field is required.
  • Master’s degree in a related field is preferred
  • Under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist, must have completed a 600-hour child life internship.
  • Bilingual – English/Spanish is preferred.

Experience

  • Minimum of 2 years paid experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist.

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

  • Must maintain Child Life Certification.
  • BLS certification is preferred. BLS certification is required within 90 days of hire.

Work Schedule:

Varies

Work Type:

Full Time

What CHRISTUS Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About CHRISTUS Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CHRISTUS Health is a prominent name in the healthcare industry, with its headquarters situated in Irving, TX, USA. Established in 1999, the company has since been devoted to providing comprehensive care and extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. This not-for-profit health system primarily operates more than 600 healthcare services and programs, including long-term care facilities, health insurance products, community clinics, and outreach services, serving both urban and rural populations.

Industry

Outpatient health care

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1999

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