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Child Life Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Child Life Specialist, you will be working with patients and families to communicate with our interdisciplinary team, child life team and other patients/families. This role is highly valued by ...

Child Life Specialist

Huntington, WV · On-site

$21.44 - $27.02/hr

Child Life Specialist for Hoops Family Children's Hospital on Cabell Huntington Hospital Campus * Must be currently accepted into, actively in, or finished with an official child life internship * $5 ...

R149338 Child Life Specialist (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: The Child Life Specialist provides psychosocial and development-based assessments and support to children of all ages and ...

Child Life Specialist

Duluth, MN · On-site

$26.76 - $40.14/hr

Must currently have a Child Life Professional Certification or be currently enrolled in a Child Life Professional Certification or current enrollment in a Child Life Professional program. Education ...

Child Life Assistant

Greenville, SC · On-site

$16.34 - $24.51/hr

The Child Life Assistant's main area of focus is providing a developmentally supportive playroom for patients and families. Development is encouraged by the child life assistant through the planning ...

Child Life Specialist

Duluth, MN · On-site

$26.76 - $40.14/hr

Must currently have a Child Life Professional Certification or be currently enrolled in a Child Life Professional Certification or current enrollment in a Child Life Professional program. Education ...

Louis Children's Specialty Care Center in South County is seeking a full time child life specialist! Mon/Tues 6:30a-3p Wed/Thurs/Fri 8:00-4:30 Overview St. Louis Children's Hospital is dedicated to ...

First Shift (United States of America) Child Life Specialist Works with members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate and implement psychosocial support interventions to decrease stress and ...

Child Life Specialist

Abilene, TX · On-site

$25.20 - $30/hr

Child Life Specialist Relocation Allowance Available! Join Our Multidisciplinary Team and Make a Difference in Young Lives We're seeking a compassionate and skilled Child Life Specialist to become an ...

Child Life Specialist

Woodbury, MN · On-site

$25.34 - $38.02/hr

The Child Life Specialist Provides evaluation, therapeutic play, preparation, procedural support, special events and reintegration programming. The Child Life Specialist is responsible to work with ...

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How much do child life jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for child life 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 is a child life specialist?

Child Life specialists are trained professionals who support children and families in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They help children cope with the stress and anxiety of medical procedures, hospitalization, and illness through play, education, and emotional support. Their goal is to promote healthy development and reduce the trauma associated with medical experiences. Child Life specialists also provide guidance to parents and collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure the child's emotional and developmental needs are met.

How does a child life specialist support children and families during stressful medical procedures?

Child Life Specialists play a crucial role in helping children and their families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of hospitalization and medical procedures. They use age-appropriate explanations, therapeutic play, and distraction techniques to reduce anxiety and promote understanding. Additionally, they often collaborate with medical staff to advocate for the needs of pediatric patients and provide guidance to families on how to support their child’s well-being during treatment. This role requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to adapt interventions to each child’s unique needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child life specialist?

To thrive as a Child Life Specialist, you need a bachelor’s degree in child life, psychology, or a related field, along with knowledge of child development and family systems. Certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and experience with therapeutic play, patient education tools, and hospital information systems are commonly required. Exceptional communication, empathy, and stress-management skills help you support children and families coping with medical challenges. These competencies are crucial for reducing patient anxiety, fostering resilience, and improving overall patient experiences in healthcare environments.

Are child life specialists in demand?

Child life specialists are in growing demand due to increased awareness of the importance of psychosocial support for pediatric patients. They work in hospitals, healthcare settings, and community programs, often requiring certification and strong interpersonal skills. Employment prospects are generally favorable, especially in hospitals with specialized pediatric units.

How many years does it take to become a child life specialist?

Becoming a child life specialist typically requires a bachelor's degree in child life, child development, or a related field, which takes about four years. Additionally, completing a 480-hour internship and obtaining certification through the Child Life Professional Certification Examination are required, which can add several months to a year to the process.

What can I do with a child life degree?

A child life degree prepares individuals to work with children and families in healthcare settings, focusing on emotional support, developmentally appropriate education, and coping strategies. Graduates often work as child life specialists, providing psychosocial support in hospitals, clinics, or community programs, and may need certification from the Child Life Professional Certification Examination.
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Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Cooper University Health Care rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 889 rated healthcare providers


Job description

At Cooper University Health Care, our commitment to providing extraordinary health care begins with our team. Our extraordinary professionals are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhanced access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies and research protocols. We have a commitment to our employees to provide competitive rates and compensation programs. Cooper offers full and part-time employees a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement. We also provide attractive working conditions and opportunities for career growth through professional development.

Discover why Cooper University Health Care is the employer of choice in South Jersey.


The Child Life Specialist will assess the psychosocial needs of patients and their families to offer and implement supportive, therapeutic interventions such as preparation for health care encounters, procedural support and coping strategies, and opportunities for various types of play. The Child Life Specialist will be an advocate for pediatric patients and visitors and serve as a resource for other hospital staff in areas of child development, family-centered care, trauma-informed care, age appropriate and developmentally appropriate interactions, and bereavement support.

Responsibilities:

  • Provides Child Life services in pediatric units as assigned and in other units as consulted
    Assesses psychosocial and developmental needs of patients/families and implements or adapts services and goals as needed
  • Utilizes therapeutic interventions such as psychological preparation, procedural support, therapeutic play, medical play, bereavement support, etc. to facilitate coping with hospitalization
  • Provides developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed education and emotional support for children about health care encounters, the hospital environment, new diagnoses or injuries, grief, etc.
  • Documents interventions and services in a timely manner within the patient’s electronic health record
  • Works as part of the multi-disciplinary team to communicate, collaborate, educate, and advocate for patient- and family-centered care
  • Delegates appropriate duties to Activities Assistants and volunteers, supervises practicum students as assigned
  • Complies with professional, ethical, and educational standards in accordance with the Association of Child Life Professionals

0-2 years of experience, 3-5 years preferred


Bachelors in Child Life or related field, or a Bachelors with a completed Child Life Certification


Must have completed 600+ hour Child Life Internship

Certified Child Life Specialist-Must obtain certification within 12 months of hire 

Communication – Ability to communicate with patients, visitors and coworkers
CPR-BLS preferred 


Part time, 24 hours a week

hours: varies


USD $23.00
USD $37.00

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