Child Life Patient Activity Asst/UKHC

U K Healthcare Ltd; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a Patient Activity Assistant to support the Child Life Specialist in planning developmentally appropriate activities for patients. You will assist in playroom and bedside activities, supervise volunteers, and help meet emotional and social needs of children and families.

A AA degree and 1 year of healthcare or child-focused experience are preferred; day shifts with some evenings/weekends to meet department needs.

Qualifications

• AA degree required or equivalent.
• 1 year of related experience in healthcare, education, or community settings.
• Experience coordinating activities and supporting pediatric programming preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Child Life Specialist with developmentally appropriate activities.
• Lead activities, supervise volunteers, and support playroom and bedside programming.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

AA degree

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title

Child Life Patient Activity Asst/UKHC

Requisition Number

RE56215

Working Title

Patient Activity Assistant

Department Name

H3062:KCH-Administration

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Grade Level

06

Salary Range

$16.20-24.82/hour

Type of Position

Staff

Position Time Status

Full-Time

Required Education

AA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

1 yr

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Able to lift 25 lbs without assistance, walk long distances and communicate effectively with parents and children.

Shift

Primarily day shift; could include some evening and weekend hours per department need. 10 hour shifts –Thursday through Sunday each week – 8:30a to 7p.

Job Summary

The Patient Activity Assistant is responsible for assisting the Child Life Specialist with planning and providing developmentally and psychosocial appropriate stimulation and activities for patients in the playroom and at bedside. This position supports the developmental, emotional, and play needs of infants, children, youth, and families.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of child development, developmentally appropriate play, and the emotional needs of children in healthcare settings. They should demonstrate effective communication, organization, and time management skills, with the ability to lead activities, supervise volunteers, and adapt in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

A Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Family Studies, Education, Recreation Therapy, or a related field is preferred. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience working with infants, children, youth, or families in healthcare, educational, or community-based settings. Experience coordinating playroom activities, supervising volunteers, and supporting developmentally appropriate programming in a pediatric or hospital environment is strongly desired.

Deadline to Apply

10/29/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.