Child Life Patient Activity Asst/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Patient Activity Assistant to help plan and provide developmentally appropriate activities for patients in the playroom and at bedside. This role supports infants, children, youth, and families overall development and psychosocial well‑being.

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field and have at least two years of experience with pediatric populations in healthcare or educational settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• At least two years of experience working with infants, children, youth, or families in healthcare, educational, or community settings.
• Experience coordinating playroom activities, supervising volunteers, and supporting developmentally appropriate programming in pediatric or hospital environments is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Child Life Specialist with planning and providing developmentally appropriate activities for patients.
• Support playroom and bedside activities for infants, children, youth, and families.
• Lead activities, supervise volunteers, and adapt in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

Skills

Child development understanding

Communication skills

Time management

Volunteer supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Psychology, Family Studies, Education, Recreation Therapy, or related field

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

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 –Wednesday through Saturday 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

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your experience working with infants, children, youth, or families an educational or group setting. In your response, highlight any experience you have coordinating or supporting activity-based programming, supervising others, and implementing developmentally appropriate activities. (Open Ended Question)
• * How many years of experience do you have working directly with infants, children, youth, or families in a supportive, recreational, or therapeutic setting?
  • None
  • More than 0, through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, through 5 years
  • More than 5 years
• * How much experience do you have coordinating and supervising child based programming?
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years