Child Life Specialist

Ascension; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Employer-matched 403(b) retirement

Pro-rated PTO and holidays

Tuition reimbursement and professional

Online learning and development

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ascension's Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin, TX is seeking a Pediatric Child Life Specialist to provide direct patient care and developmental support for hospitalized children.

You will assess needs, coordinate with the interdisciplinary team, and implement individualized plans to improve coping and outcomes. Bachelor's degree and 600-hour internship are required; Child Life certification within 12 months of hire is expected.

Qualifications

• Licensure / Certification / Registration required: Child Life Professional within 12 months of hire.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Completed 600-hour Child Life clinical internship required by start date.

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.

Skills

Direct patient care

Emotional support

Care coordination

Therapeutic interventions

Education

Bachelor's degree

600-hour Child Life internship

Job description

Your future role at a glance

• Facility: Dell Children's Medical Center
• Schedule: Full Time | Rotating Schedule | Weekdays and Weekends

• Location: Austin, TX
• Facility: Dell Children's Medical Center
• Department/Specialty: Patient Support
• Schedule: Full Time | Rotating Schedule | Weekdays and Weekends

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

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Completed 600-hour Child Life clinical internship required by start date.

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

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

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.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.