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Child Life Activity Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Child Life Assistant

Lehi, UT · On-site

$21.02 - $29.72/hr

Under the direction of a child life specialist, the child life assistant provides activities in a play setting that reduces patient and family distress, increases effective patient and family coping ...

... activities Other information: Education • Bachelor's degree in child life or child development related field required • Master's degree preferred Experience • 3+ years Child Life experience ...

Set up and organize activity areas and provides design input of other patient care areas to promote ... Responsible for the general maintenance of Child Life toys, equipment and play areas.

Child Life Specialist

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$64K - $80K/yr

Child Life Specialist Location: Bristol Myers Squibb Hospital Department Name: Child Life Program ... Develops and facilitates therapeutic activities, special events, and programs that promote normal ...

Child Life Assistant

Greenville, SC · On-site

$16.34 - $24.51/hr

Selects and provides activities (toys, games, crafts) for patients restricted to bed rest according to interests, capabilities, and needs. * Communicates pertinent information to Child Life Staff and ...

Child Life Assistant

Greenville, SC · On-site

$16.34 - $24.51/hr

Selects and provides activities (toys, games, crafts) for patients restricted to bed rest according to interests, capabilities, and needs. * Communicates pertinent information to Child Life Staff and ...

Child Life Assistant

Lehi, UT · On-site

$21.02 - $29.72/hr

Under the direction of a child life specialist, the child life assistant provides activities in a play setting that reduces patient and family distress, increases effective patient and family coping ...

$21.40 - $28.89/hr

Provides therapeutic play, recreation and stimulation activities to hospitalized infants, children ... Prepares individual child life care plans for all inpatients. Provides daily program of therapeutic ...

Child Life Specialist

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$64K - $80K/yr

Child Life Specialist Location: Bristol Myers Squibb Hospital Department Name: Child Life Program ... Develops and facilitates therapeutic activities, special events, and programs that promote normal ...

Child Life Specialist

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$64K - $80K/yr

Child Life Specialist Req #: 0000256613 Category: Behavioral and Mental Health Status: Full-Time ... Develops and facilitates therapeutic activities, special events, and programs that promote normal ...

Child Life Specialist

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$64K - $80K/yr

Child Life Specialist Location: Bristol Myers Squibb Hospital Department Name: Child Life Program ... Develops and facilitates therapeutic activities, special events, and programs that promote normal ...

Showing results 21-40

Child Life Activity information

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How much do child life activity jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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.
More about Child Life Activity jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Child Life Activity jobs? The most popular types of Child Life Activity jobs are:
What states have the most Child Life Activity jobs? States with the most job openings for Child Life Activity jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Child Life Activity jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Child Life Activity jobs are:
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.

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Cabell Huntington Hospital is seeking a Child Life Extern to work alongside our Children's Hospital.

The primary purpose of the Child Life Extern is togain practical, hands-on experience in the hospital environment under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). The Child Life Extern assists in providing developmentally appropriate play, procedural preparation and support, and therapeutic activities to pediatric patients and their families. The extern will observe and participate in clinical interventions while learning about the psychosocial aspects of hospitalization and the child life profession.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Support and assist Certified Child Life Specialists in daily clinical duties and interventions.
  • Facilitate play opportunities for children of all developmental levels in the playroom and at bedside.
  • Observe and participate in patient preparation, coping, and procedural support when appropriate.
  • Assist in maintaining safe, clean, and organized play and storage areas.
  • Help coordinate special events, programs, and donor relations with the Child Life team.
  • Document patient interactions under supervision to promote professional growth and understanding of healthcare documentation.
  • Participate in team meetings, rounds, and educational in-services as assigned.
  • Demonstrate respect, compassion, and professionalism in all patient and family interactions.
  • Enrollment in a bachelor's or master's program in Child Life, Human Development, Psychology, or related field required.
  • Completion of a minimum of 100 practicum or observation hours in a hospital or healthcare setting preferred.
  • CPR (BLS) Certification required.
  • Eligibility for or working toward certification through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) required.