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Entry Level Child Life Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Child Life Specialist Job Opportunity: * Full-time, direct hire opportunity * Mon-Fri schedule, 8am-5pm * Great leadership and administration team! * Reports to VP of Patient Services * The Child ...

The Child Life Specialist Job Opportunity: * Full-time, direct hire opportunity * Mon-Fri schedule, 8am-5pm * Great leadership and administration team! * Reports to VP of Patient Services * The Child ...

Child Life Specialist is a member of the pediatric health care team who focuses on the emotional and developmental needs of children using therapeutic and developmental play experiences which help ...

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 Location: Bristol Myers Squibb Hospital Department Name: Child Life Program Req #: 0000256613 Status: Salaried Shift: Evening Pay Range: $64,500.00 - $80,700.00 per year Pay ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 11, 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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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Child Life Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Child Life Specialist job openings:
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What states have the most Entry Level Child Life Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Child Life Specialist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Child Life Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Child Life Specialist jobs are:
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.

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Company Description

At Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, we know world-renowned care begins with world-class caring. That's why we combine advanced technologies and breakthrough discoveries with family-centered care. It's why we provide our caregivers with continuing education and state-of-the-art facilities, like the newly remodeled Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. And it's why we need caring, committed people on our team - like you. Join us on our mission to heal humanity, one child and family at a time.
Job ID: P139866-2657909

Job Description

This is a Fixed Term position

JOB SUMMARY

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

The Child Life Specialist works under the supervision of leadership and the child life team to assist the child/family in their adjustment to the hospital, diagnosis, and treatment plan. This is an entry level Child Life Specialist role with entry level experience and knowledge of procedures, illnesses, injuries and other related events on the unit. The individual will require training and ongoing support and/or supervision for more advanced procedures or events. Uses basic understanding of child life theories to perform daily job responsibilities while working closely with Child Life Specialists II and/or Child Life Specialist III to develop skills. Provides pre/post procedural teachings, emotional/psychosocial support, developmentally appropriate play activities, distraction and support during procedures, and age appropriate medical play to enhance understanding of the hospital environment. Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to create and support individualized plans of care while adhering to the professional standards of practice of the Association of Child Life Professionals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

- Assesses and interacts with patients and families using theories of Child Life, child development, family systems and cultural background. Provides appropriate care based on the needs of the specific individual, including age.
- Provides competent child life services to patients and family members, including developmentally-appropriate therapeutic activities, education, procedural preparation, coping facilitation, and support as it relates to their illness and medical treatment. Utilizes a clinical decision-making process and critical thinking to effectively deliver patient care.
- Establishes family-centered plan of care with patient/family input and prioritizes he delivery of patient/family care
- Assists the patient/family in their adjustment to the hospital, diagnosis, and/or treatment plan.
- Establishes and maintains a healthy, balanced, and therapeutic relationship with the patient and family.
- Assesses, individualizes, and evaluates plan of care based on family/patient physical, developmental, emotional, and recreational needs requiring occasional guidance, while applying the theoretical knowledge base of child development.
- Provides developmentally appropriate medical play, for individual and small group support.
- Identifies patient/family learning needs, readiness to learn and choices. Meets patient/family needs by using appropriate internal/external educational resources. Recognizes and respects consequences of patient/family decisions.
- Identifies any barriers to teaching (such as cognitive ability, linguistic or sensory deficits).
- Interacts in a cooperative manner within the healthcare team to support and contribute to the care goals. Professionally communicates plan to multidisciplinary team members and family.
- Collaborates with patients, families, volunteers and multidisciplinary team members to provide optimal care and services.
- Participates in team meetings and/or discussions regarding patient care and/or practice issues.
- Demonstrates compliance with patient care documentation standards, providing support to newer staff regarding documentation practices as needed.
- Supports a productive work environment for students once the minimum standard of hours is achieved as set forth by the Association of Child Life Professionals.
- Interviews, orients, trains, supervises and evaluates child life students and volunteers.
- Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with fellow employees, patients, families, and the public.
- Effectively and efficiently balances the clinical responsibilities, professional growth, and development opportunities through active participation in the Child Life Clinical Advancement Ladder.
- Provides ideas/topics for research and performance improvement studies. Participates in data collection.
- Performs other work related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development or a directly related field in the Behavioral Sciences or Human Development.

Experience: Successful completion of Child Life Internship that meets the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) requirement of Clinical Child Life Certification.

License/Certification:

  • Basic Life Support by American Heart Association (AHA)
  • or
  • RQI Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support
  • Certified Child Life Specialist by Association of Child Life Professionals within 365 days of hire

KNOWLEDGE

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

* Demonstrates good organizational skills and effective communication skills, flexibility, and a proven understanding of child development.
* Demonstrates ability to work well with children of all ages.
* Demonstrates ability to be a team member across multiple professional disciplines.
* Demonstrates ability to work independently and a willingness to learn hospital routines, policies and procedures.
* Demonstrates understanding and ability to show respect and appreciation for others and their uniqueness; remaining curious and appreciating cultural differences.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information

Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.
Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $36.62 to $45.77

Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.