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Entry Level Child Life Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RWJBarnabas Health

Child Life Specialist

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$64K - $80K/yr

Child Life Specialist Req #: 0000256613 Category: Behavioral and Mental Health Status: Full-Time Shift: Evening Facility: RWJ New Brunswick Department: Child Life Program Pay Range: $64,500.00 - $80 ...

Nebraska Medicine

Child Life Specialist

Omaha, NE

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 ...

Ironside Human Resources

Child Life Specialist

Anson, TX · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

A facility near Anson, Texas, is seeking a full-time, permanent Child Life Specialist to join their team. This position comes with relocation assistance to qualified candidates! See details below!

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 ...

Nebraska Medicine

Child Life Specialist

Omaha, NE · On-site

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 ...

Boston Medical Center

Child Life Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$53K - $77K/yr

The Child Life Specialist is responsible and accountable for planning and implementing therapeutic activities and programs to meet psychosocial and developmental needs and facilitates the adjustment ...

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Entry Level Child Life Specialist information

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How much do entry level child life specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level child life specialist in the United States is $19.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level child life specialist?

An Entry Level Child Life Specialist supports children and families in healthcare settings by helping them cope with hospitalization, illness, and medical procedures. They use therapeutic play, education, and emotional support to reduce stress and anxiety. Working under the supervision of experienced Child Life Specialists, they assess patients’ needs and implement interventions to promote positive experiences. Typically, they have a degree in child life, psychology, or a related field and are working towards certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS).

What does an entry level child life specialist do?

A typical day for an Entry Level Child Life Specialist often involves preparing children for medical procedures using age-appropriate explanations and play, providing emotional support, and working closely with families to reduce anxiety and stress. You may organize therapeutic play sessions, assist with pain management strategies, and collaborate with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff to advocate for patients’ psychosocial needs. Documentation and participation in team meetings are also regular parts of the workday. This role is highly interactive and requires adaptability as patient needs and hospital activities can change rapidly. Teamwork, flexibility, and a child-focused approach are essential to delivering effective care in this setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level child life specialist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Child Life Specialist, you need a bachelor's degree in child life, psychology, or a related field and a foundational understanding of child development and healthcare environments. Familiarity with medical terminology, patient charting systems, and eligibility for or completion of Child Life Certification (CCLS) are commonly expected. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and creative problem-solving are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively supporting children through medical experiences, fostering trust, and collaborating with healthcare teams.

What degree do I need to get to be an entry level child life specialist?

An entry-level child life specialist typically needs a bachelor's degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field. Certification from the Child Life Professional Certification Examination is also required, which involves completing a supervised internship and meeting specific educational criteria.
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Entry Level Child Life Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Child Life Specialist 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 $41,119 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Child Life Externship

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$18.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Child Life Extern is a structured clinical training position that provides comprehensive preparation for professional practice as a Child Life Specialist. This paid educational experience is designed to meet the clinical training requirements for Child Life Certification eligibility and provides intensive, supervised practice in the delivery of psychosocial care to infants, children, adolescents, and families in healthcare settings.
Under the supervision of Certified Child Life Specialists, the Child Life Extern progressively develops competency in assessment, preparation and education, intervention, documentation, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration through direct patient and family interactions. Upon successful completion of the externship, participants will have demonstrated the foundational knowledge and clinical skills necessary for entry-level child life practice.
Under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist, the Child Life Extern will:
  • Conduct developmental and psychosocial assessments of pediatric patients and families.
  • Develop and implement individualized child life interventions based on assessed needs.
  • Provide preparation, education, and coping support for medical procedures and hospital experiences.
  • Facilitate therapeutic, developmental, and medical play opportunities.
  • Support children and families during procedures and other stressful healthcare experiences.
  • Promote positive coping, resilience, and adjustment to illness, injury, hospitalization, and treatment.
  • Provide sibling, family, and bereavement support as appropriate.
  • Document assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with departmental and organizational standards.
  • Collaborate with physician, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
  • Active participation is expected in Child Life staff meetings, in-services, interdisciplinary opportunities, and relevant departmental educational experiences.
  • Complete assigned readings, presentations, and other educational requirements.

Learning Outcomes
By the completion of the externship, participants will be able to:
  • Apply child development and family systems theories within healthcare settings.
  • Utilize evidence-based child life interventions.
  • Assess psychosocial risk factors and coping needs.
  • Implement developmentally appropriate preparation and procedural support.
  • Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
  • Integrate patient-and family-centered care principles in clinical practice.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies necessary to function as a Child Life Specialist.

Required Qualifications
  • Completed ACLP Internship Common Application and all required application materials, including the ACLP Eligibility Assessment, and unofficial transcripts.
  • Enrollment in or completion of a bachelor's or master's degree program that meets Child Life Certification requirements. Applicants must be a college senior, graduate student, or college graduate.
  • Successful completion of ACLP internship eligibility requirements. Applicants with coursework in progress are eligible to apply provided their transcripts verify enrollment. A completed ACLP Eligibility Assessment is required before the internship start date.
  • Experience working with children through paid or volunteer roles in both healthcare and non-healthcare environments.

Physical Demands
  • Ability to navigate patient care environments through the hospital.
  • Ability to interact with patients and families in a variety of clinical settings.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and transport activity materials and supplies as needed.
  • Compliance with all hospital safety, confidentiality, infection prevention, and patient care requirements.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • This is a paid Child Life Externship with a compensation rate of $18.50 per hour.
  • The Child Life Externship is a temporary, educational experience designed to support the development of knowledge, skills, and professional competencies necessary to function as a Child Life Specialist. This temporary role is not to exceed 600 hours.
  • Externs are considered temporary trainees participating in a structured learning experience and are not eligible for employee benefit programs, including but not limited to medical, vision, dental, retirement, paid time off (PTO), tuition assistance, or other employer-sponsored benefits, unless otherwise required by law or explicitly outlined in program materials.
  • Work schedules and total hours may vary based on program requirements, departmental needs, and the educational objectives of the externship experience.

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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