Child Life Specialist

Cedarparktexasedc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Job summary

Cedarparktexasedc in Austin, TX seeks a Pediatric Child Life Specialist to provide emotional and developmental support to pediatric patients during hospitalization. You will deliver direct patient care and coordinate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure compassionate, patient- and family-centered care.

The role emphasizes individualized care plans, reducing anxiety, and supporting normal development within the hospital setting. Full-time schedule Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm.

Qualifications

• Licensure/Certification/Registration: Child Life Professional obtained within 12 months of hire date or job transfer date.
• Education: High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's/Technical degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience.
• 600-hour Child Life clinical internship completed by start date is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct patient care as a Pediatric Child Life Specialist, providing emotional and developmental support during hospitalization.
• Assess pediatric patient and family needs to implement individualized care plans that improve coping, safety, and overall patient care outcomes.
• Coordinate care with the interdisciplinary team to ensure seamless care coordination and consistent support throughout treatment.
• Provide therapeutic interventions that reduce anxiety, promote normal development, and enhance the hospital experience for pediatric patients.

Education

High School diploma equivalency + 2 years of cumulative experience

Associate's or Technical degree

4 years of applicable cumulative job-specific experience

Job description

Your future role at a glance

Location: Austin, TX

Facility: Dell Children's Specialty Pavilion

Department/Specialty: Pediatric Neurosciences

Schedule: Full Time | Monday-Friday | 8am-5pm

Benefits that help you thrive

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

How you’ll make an impact in this role

• Deliver direct patient care as a Pediatric Child Life Specialist, providing emotional and developmental support during hospitalization.
• Assess pediatric patient and family needs to implement individualized care plans that improve coping, safety, and overall patient care outcomes.
• Coordinate care with the interdisciplinary team to ensure seamless care coordination and consistent support throughout treatment.
• Provide therapeutic interventions that reduce anxiety, promote normal development, and enhance the hospital experience for pediatric patients.

What minimum requirements you’ll need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

• Child Life Professional obtained within 12 Months (1 year) of hire date or job transfer date required.

Education:

• High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's
  degree/Technical degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.

What additional preferences we're seeking

• 600-hour Child Life clinical internship completed by start date.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.