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Child Life Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University Health

Child Life Specialist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20.80 - $34.75/hr

Completion of a Child Life internship from an accredited Child Life Program is required. At least 3 years of full-time experience as child life specialist. LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION Must be a certified ...

University Health

Child Life Specialist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Completion of a Child Life internship from an accredited Child Life Program is required. At least 3 years of full-time experience as child life specialist. LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION Must be a certified ...

University Health

Child Life Specialist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20.80 - $34.75/hr

Completion of a Child Life internship from an accredited Child Life Program is required. At least 3 years of full-time experience as child life specialist. LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION Must be a certified ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Child Life Specialist

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$64K - $80K/yr

Assists with community outreach initiatives, special programming, and supervision of Child Life interns while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment This role might be for you if: * You are ...

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How much do child life internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for child life internships in the United States is $16.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are child life internships?

Child Life Internships are supervised, hands-on training programs for students or recent graduates pursuing a career as a Certified Child Life Specialist. These internships provide practical experience working with children and families in healthcare settings, helping to reduce stress and anxiety through play, education, and emotional support. Interns work closely with certified professionals, learning to assess patient needs, develop coping strategies, and implement therapeutic interventions. Completion of a Child Life Internship is often a requirement for eligibility to take the Child Life Certification Exam.

What types of responsibilities and learning experiences can I expect during a child life internship?

During a Child Life Internship, you can expect to be actively involved in supporting children and families in hospital settings through play, preparation, and education. Interns typically assist with implementing therapeutic activities, observe and participate in procedural support, and collaborate with certified child life specialists and interdisciplinary teams. You'll also gain exposure to documentation practices, attend educational seminars, and may have opportunities to work on special projects or case studies. The internship is structured to provide hands-on experience while developing your skills in communication, assessment, and family-centered care.

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

To thrive as a Child Life Intern, you need foundational knowledge of child development, coursework in child life or related fields, and often some prior experience working with children in healthcare or community settings. Familiarity with therapeutic play techniques, medical terminology, and documentation systems is commonly required, and completion of a relevant practicum or certification (such as CPR) may be beneficial. Strong communication, empathy, and adaptability help interns support children and families effectively during stressful medical experiences. These skills ensure the intern can provide emotional support, facilitate coping strategies, and contribute positively to the healthcare team.
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Child Life Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Life Internships job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,809 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Child Life Specialist

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Health System
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 233 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Johns Hopkins Health Systemexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
Provides psychosocially and developmentally based assessment and support to both patients and their families in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care. Plans and provides emotionally and developmentally appropriate play and other experiences to promote effective coping with health care experiences and continued cognitive and emotional growth. Enhances quality of patient care through participation, documentation and communication with other members of the health care team. Teaches, supervises and evaluates work of volunteers and Child Life interns. Serves as a resource and advocate on child development issues.
Education:
A Bachelor's Degree, Master's preferred, in Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Child Life, or related field, and completion of a Child Life internship of 600 hours.
Work Experience:
Completion of a Child Life internship. One year job experience or a Master's degree with some work experience preferred.
Licensure/Certification:
Certification at the professional level through the Association of Child Life Professionals must be acquired within the first year of employment.
Knowledge/Skills:
  • A professional level of knowledge of theoretical foundations of child life practice (child development, play, stress and coping, family systems, and patient and family centered care.)
  • Knowledge and skill in growth and development, therapeutic play, psychological preparation, provision of coping strategies and support during medical events.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and its implications acquired through academic program and clinical internship.
  • Knowledge of trauma informed care framework and application in child life practice
  • Knowledge of the Association of Child Life Professionals Code of Ethics.
  • Familiarity with hospital/departmental policies and procedures normally acquired through one to three months on-the-job experience.
  • Ability to (1) assess patient/family psychosocial and developmental strengths and risks, (2) plan goals, (3) implement interventions, and (4) evaluate effectiveness of assessment, plans and interventions.
  • Ability to facilitate a variety of group and individual play and therapeutic activities that promote development, self-expression, and mastery up to eighty percent of the work day
  • Documentation and written communication skills, usually acquired through academic preparation and 600 hr clinical internship.
  • Effective verbal communication and public speaking skills.
  • Emerging supervisory skills.
  • Demonstrates dedication to support diversity, equity and inclusion within organizational role.
  • Time management and organizational skills.

Salary Range: Minimum 24.54/hour - Maximum 40.51/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility. In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.
Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.

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