Child Life Specialist

Boston Medical Center; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 77,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Discretionary bonuses

Merits

Job summary

Boston Medical Center is seeking a Child Life Specialist to plan and implement therapeutic activities for children and families. This role emphasizes psychosocial support for patients in various hospital settings, including inpatient and intensive care units.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Child Life or closely related field, complete a Child Life Internship, and possess strong interpersonal skills. The compensation includes a salary between $53,000 and $77,000 based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life or a closely related field (Master’s preferred).
• Completion of a Child Life Internship (600 hours).
• Eligibility to pass the Child Life certification exam within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients and families in coping with illness and hospitalization.
• Provide developmentally appropriate preparation and education regarding healthcare experiences.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to support a family-centered care approach.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Multitasking

Self-motivation

Prioritization ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Child Life or a closely related field

Completion of a Child Life Internship

Job description

Position Summary

The Child Life Specialist is responsible for planning and implementing therapeutic activities and programs to meet psychosocial and developmental needs, facilitating the adjustment of children and their families to health care experiences. Responsibilities include program development in the assigned clinical area, fiscal and human resource management, and collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. The position provides clinical coverage within the inpatient pediatric unit and pediatric intensive care unit, and consults in additional hospital areas as needed.

Schedule

16 hours per week – daytime hours (8‑hour shifts)

Core Responsibilities

• Assist patients and families in coping with illness and hospitalization.
• Provide developmentally appropriate preparation and education regarding patients’ healthcare experiences.
• Document and maintain updated patient information for services provided.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to support a family‑centered care approach.
• Provide individualized therapeutic interventions for emotional, cognitive, and developmental needs.
• Normalize the environment to reduce the impact of healthcare experiences on development and coping.
• Provide legacy and bereavement support for patients and families encountering grief as needed.
• Develop and maintain programs for the assigned clinical area.
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment for children and families.
• Participate in patient‑care rounding, unit meetings, and child‑life staff meetings.
• Assist in budget and resource planning, including donations and supplies.
• Support volunteer and student training and supervision.
• Adhere to infection control policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life or a closely related field (Master’s preferred).
• Completion of a Child Life Internship (600 hours) under direct supervision of a Child Life Specialist.
• Eligibility to pass the Child Life Specialist certification exam within 6 months of hire; certification required within 6 months of hire.
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, multitasking, self‑motivation, and prioritization ability.
• Comfort working with diverse cultures, a wide range of illnesses and diagnoses, and developmental ages from infancy through young adulthood.
• Knowledge of hospital practices, procedures, and medical terminology.
• Experience in child life is preferred.

Compensation

Salary range: $53,000.00 – $77,000.00, based on qualifications, experience, skills, and certifications. The total compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, discretionary bonuses, merits, and benefits.

EEO Statement

Boston Medical Center is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other non‑job‑related characteristic.