Child Life Specialist

Ascension; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plan

PTO & holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

EAP

Parental leave

Adoption assistance

Pet insurance

Transit benefits

Job summary

Ascension's Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin, TX, seeks a Pediatric Child Life Specialist to provide emotional and developmental support to hospitalized children and families. You will assess needs, create individualized care plans, and coordinate with the care team to improve coping and safety during treatment.

This full-time role requires a Bachelor's degree and a 600-hour Child Life internship, with licensure within 12 months; on-site schedule includes weekdays and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 600-hour Child Life clinical internship completed by start date.
• Licensure / Certification / Registration: Child Life Professional obtained within 12 Months.

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

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

600-hour internship

Job description

• Locations 4900 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX, 78723, US (On-site)

Benefits Statement

• 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

Job Description

• Location: Austin, TX
• Facility: Dell Children's Medical Center
• Schedule: Full Time | 40 hours per week | 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 qualifications 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.
• 600-hour Child Life clinical internship completed by start date.

Why Join Our Team

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.

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