Child Life Specialist

Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Baltimore is seeking a compassionate Child Life Specialist to provide psychosocial support to pediatric patients and their families. The role involves planning therapeutic activities to aid coping mechanisms and enhancing patient care by communicating effectively with the healthcare team. Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, complete a Child Life internship, and have certification as a Child Life Specialist. Competitive salary and sign-on bonus are included.

Benefits

Career growth opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

$5,000 sign-on bonus

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.
• Completion of a Child Life internship is necessary.
• Minimum of two years of CCLS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct psychosocial care to pediatric patients.
• Plan and facilitate therapeutic activities for coping.
• Lead committees and mentor new team members.

Skills

Strong foundation in child life practice

Excellent communication skills

Ability to assess patient care plans

Skilled in facilitating therapeutic activities

Knowledge of trauma-informed care

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or related field

Completion of a 600-hour Child Life internship

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

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Requisition #:655678 Location:Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287 Category:Social Work/Mental Health Schedule:Day Shift Employment Type:Full Time

What Awaits You

• Opportunities for Career Growth – Build a meaningful career with access to professional development, mentorship, and advancement pathways.
• Collaborative and Inclusive Environment – Work alongside a diverse team of professionals who value mutual respect, innovation, and teamwork.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package – Take advantage of a competitive and affordable benefits program that supports your health, financial security, and overall well-being.
• $5,000 sign-on bonus
  
  

Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child Life Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will provide psychosocial and developmentally appropriate assessments and support to infants, children, youth, and their families. You will plan and deliver play and therapeutic activities to help patients cope with healthcare experiences and support their ongoing cognitive and emotional growth. You will also enhance the quality of patient care through active participation, detailed documentation, and effective communication with the healthcare team. This role includes supervising child life volunteers and guiding practicum and internship students. As a clinical leader, you will advocate for and educate others on child development and strategies to help patients adjust to and cope with diagnosis and treatment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct psychosocial and developmental care to pediatric patients and their families.
• Plan and facilitate play and therapeutic activities that support coping, development, and emotional well-being.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with the healthcare team to ensure high-quality, family-centered care.
• Supervise child life volunteers and oversee practicum and internship students.
• Serve as an advocate, educator, and resource on child development and coping strategies for families and staff.
• Lead department committees and act as a preceptor for onboarding new team members.
  
  

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Child Life, or a related field.
• Completion of a 600-hour Child Life internship is required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
  
  

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong foundation in child life practice, including child development, play, stress and coping, family systems, and patient- and family-centered care.
• Knowledge of growth and development, therapeutic play, psychological preparation, and coping support during medical events.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and hospital protocols.
• Understanding and application of trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) Code of Ethics.
• Ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient/family care plans.
• Skilled in facilitating individual and group therapeutic activities.
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to provide peer clinical supervision, lead departmental committees, and precept new staff.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
  
  

Licensure & Certification

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) through the Association of Child Life Professionals is required.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of two years of experience as a CCLS, or one year of experience with a Master’s degree.
  
  

Why Join Us?

You will be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving the healthcare experience for pediatric patients and their families. You will have opportunities to grow as a leader, mentor, and advocate while making a meaningful difference every day.

Salary Range: Minimum $24.54/hour - Maximum $ 40.51/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility.

In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.

JHM prioritizes the health and well-being of every employee. Come be healthy at Hopkins!

Diversity and Inclusion are Johns Hopkins Medicine Core Values. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Hospitals and Health Care

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