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Child Life Activity Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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How much do child life activity jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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 can I do with a child life certification?

A child life certification qualifies individuals to work with children and families in healthcare settings, providing emotional support, education, and therapeutic activities. Certified child life specialists often work in hospitals, clinics, or community programs, utilizing skills in child development and play therapy to improve patient experiences.

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 the job opportunities for child life specialists?

Child life specialists can find job opportunities in hospitals, pediatric clinics, and healthcare settings where they support children and families through therapeutic play, education, and emotional support. They often work as part of multidisciplinary teams and may require certification from the Child Life Professional Certification Examination. Job availability depends on healthcare facility needs and regional demand for specialized pediatric support.

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 qualifications do I need to be an activity coordinator?

Child Life Activity coordinators typically need a bachelor's degree in child development, education, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, creativity, and the ability to plan engaging activities for children; some positions may also require certification in child life or activity planning. Experience working with children is often preferred.

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.

How much do child life specialists make?

Child life specialists in Florida typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on hospital size, location, and additional skills such as play therapy or trauma training.
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Child Life Activity jobs near you
Child Life Specialist - Galveston

Child Life Specialist - Galveston

UTMB Health

Galveston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

UTMB Health rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 166 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

255th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field
    Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field
  • One (1) to three (3) years of experience in a healthcare setting
    LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS
    Required:
  • Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or ability to obtain within one year of hire

Preferred:
  • Completed an accredited Child Life Specialist program and CCLS certification

JOB DESCRIPTION
Function: To provide evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children and youth (Association of Child Life Professionals, 2018)
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Commitments to Child Life philosophies, policies and guidelines in supporting and planning programs for families of chronically ill and hospitalized children.
  • Assess and prioritize patient/family needs for child life intervention.
  • Support patients and family members in coping with the stresses associated with the health care experience.
  • Provide opportunities for and facilitate a variety of group and individual play recreation and activities that promote development, self-expression, and mastery.
  • Evaluate emotional, social, mental and physical condition of referred patients utilizing therapeutic interventions and
    assessments.
  • Support family-centered care through communication and involvement of parents and other family members.
  • Provide education regarding illness/condition, treatment, and coping techniques to patients, family members, and the larger community as appropriate.
  • Function and consult as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, integrating goals and plans to promote optimal patient care that is family-centered, developmentally appropriate, and psychosocially sound.
  • Plan, implement and document treatment plans/outcomes for patients.
  • Maintain equipment and supplies.
  • Plan and implement additional Child Life activities e.g. special events, patient/family workshops.
  • Interface with donors, community groups and others vital to the continued growth of Child Life and UTMB Health System programs and visions.
  • Orient and supervise volunteers.
  • Provide education and in-service training regarding Child Life Services to patients, families, medical staff of various disciplines, and students.
  • Participate in professional development to enhance job performance and contribute to the accomplishment of Child Life department and UTMB hospital missions and goals.
  • Commitment to team planning, problem solving and collaborative efforts. Strong interpersonal communication and listening skills.
  • Adheres to Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) Core Competencies and Professional Standards of Practice.
    Marginal or Periodic Functions:
    Program Development and Leadership (Advanced Level CLS)
  • Provides direct oversight, coordination, and management of the Child Life Program.
  • Planning and development of programs to enhance the pediatric experience.
  • Designs programs and directs activities to help children cope with hospitalization, reduce anxiety about treatment, and foster academic development according the Association of Child Life Professionals.
  • Identification and advocacy to provide necessary program resources.
  • Participation in the budget process and business planning, as needed, to ensure program continuity and funding.
  • Community outreach demonstrating program leadership with clinics, local pediatric institutions, and educational programs as indicated.
  • Communication with vendors, community groups, and donors to facilitate products (books, toys, educational needs, etc.) for UTMB pediatric patients.
  • Develops and implements constructive approaches to problem identification and solutions.
  • Performs related duties as required.
    KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
  • Ability to interact with seriously ill children of all developmental levels, their siblings, parents and other extended family members.
  • Ability to assess situations with patients and families as they relate to specific needs for Child Life intervention (medical play, coping skills, etc.).
  • Ability to function well in multidisciplinary team settings.
  • Understanding of growth & development, family dynamics, learning theory, medical play, therapeutic play and activity programming.

Equal Employment Opportunity
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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