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Child Life Activity Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RWJBarnabas Health

Child Life Specialist

Newark, NJ · On-site

$35.46/hr

Job Title: Child Life Specialist Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name: NBI ... Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Benefits and ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Child Life Specialist

Newark, NJ · On-site

$35.46/hr

Job Title: Child Life Specialist Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name: NBI ... Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Benefits and ...

Sanford Health

Child Life Specialist

Sioux Falls, SD

No Department Details Inpatient Child Life Specialist with some flexing capability to other areas ... play activities, expressive arts, and special events for pediatric patients and their families ...

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 ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Child Life Specialist

Newark, NJ · On-site

$35.46/hr

Job Title: Child Life Specialist Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name: NBI ... Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Benefits and ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Child Life Specialist

Newark, NJ

$35.46/hr

Job Title: Child Life Specialist Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name: NBI ... Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Benefits and ...

Nebraska Medicine

Child Life Specialist

Omaha, NE · On-site

Works on the Child Life and Family Development team with a Music Therapist and Hospital Teachers to provide socialization, normalizing activities, and special programming for pediatric patients and ...

Sanford Health

Child Life Specialist

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

No Department Details Inpatient Child Life Specialist with some flexing capability to other areas ... play activities, expressive arts, and special events for pediatric patients and their families ...

Carle Health

Child Life Specialist

Urbana, IL · On-site

Overview The Child Life Specialist works to meet the psychosocial needs of patients and families by ... designated activity during stressful procedures (e.g. diversion, guided imagery, deep breathing)

Cleveland Clinic

Child Life Specialist

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$18.88 - $28.80/hr

As a Child Life Specialist, you will be working with patients and families to communicate with our ... Provide diversional activities in the playroom/activity room and bedside based on individual ...

Cleveland Clinic

Child Life Specialist

Cleveland, OH

$18.88 - $28.80/hr

As a Child Life Specialist, you will be working with patients and families to communicate with our ... Provide diversional activities in the playroom/activity room and bedside based on individual ...

Sutter Health

Child Life Specialist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$86K - $129K/yr

Bachelor's In Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or another area with all necessary ... Ability to implement therapeutic play activities for individual children and groups, apply ...

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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

Child Life Specialist

RWJBarnabas Health

Newark, NJ • On-site

$35.46/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

RWJBarnabas Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 324 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Title: Child Life Specialist
Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr
Department Name: NBI - Valerie Fund
Req #: 0000249530
Status: Hourly
Shift: Day
Pay Range: $35.46 - $35.46 per hour
Pay Transparency:
The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.
The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.
Job Overview:
The Child Life Specialist provides optimal developmental and psychosocially appropriate care for pediatric patients & families within our Inpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology unit. Assess children's developmental & coping needs & implements developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions such as play, medical play, psychological preparation & rehearsed coping to minimize distress associated with the healthcare environment & to foster resiliency. Supports patients, siblings, and family during the end of life. Collaborates as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop& administer an individualized plan of care.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in the field of Child life, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Psychology or related field
  • Completion of 600-hour Child life internship
  • ACLP exam Eligible
  • Child Life Certification (CCLS) required within 1 year of employment

Certifications and Licenses Required:
  • Child Life Certification (CCLS) required within 1 year of employment

Scheduling Requirements:
  • Full-Time (35 hours/week)
  • Day Shift

Essential Functions:
  • Advocates for the needs of children and youth by maintaining open communication with other healthcare team members
  • Integrates multidisciplinary team goals into the child life program
  • Communicates concisely to team members integrating child life theory, research and practice at case conferences, rounds and informally
  • Consults with Child Life Manager regarding all situations requiring specific attention or follow-up
  • Determines and prioritizes needs, scope and depth of child life service required for each patient
  • Establishes and maintains therapeutic relationships with children and families,
  • Follows established program structure, policies and procedures of medical center
  • Gives lectures within the healthcare setting, adapting approaches to content to the audience
  • Always maintains the playroom and all equipment in a clean and sanitary manner
  • Seeks the involvement of families in their child s, child life goals, matching the expectations with family
  • Trains and orients volunteers in the Child Life program
  • Matches patients' needs and volunteer's skills in making assignment
  • Uses developmentally appropriate play as a primary tool in assessing and meeting the child s psychosocial needs in the healthcare setting
  • Uses developmentally appropriate and medically accurate teaching aides and techniques in such a way that the knowledge is increased and determines with the healthcare team, realistic and obtainable goals and objectives for patients learning, and who will address these goals
  • Writes concisely, objectively, and accurately in the patient's medical record, documenting developmental and behavioral issues which impact patient care
  • Acts as an advocate for families in the health care setting
  • Acts as a role model regarding age specific and developmentally appropriate care
  • Documents professional assessment in a timely manor
  • Educates families regarding children s responses to healthcare environments, coping, chronic illness, and grief

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits and Perks:
At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees' physical, emotional, social, and financial health.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Retirement Plans
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Life & Accidental Death Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Wellness Programs
  • Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
  • Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!
RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.
RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey-whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

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About RWJBarnabas Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, providing treatment and services to more than three million patients each year. Throughout RWJBarnabas Health, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and health professionals are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and health education to the community and region. We aim to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey - whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Orange, NJ, US

Year founded

2015

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