Child Life Specialist

The Shriners Hospital for Children; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston is seeking a Child Life Specialist to deliver developmentally appropriate interventions that reduce stress for pediatric patients and their families. You will perform assessments, prepare children for procedures, and lead therapeutic play activities to foster coping and resilience.

Responsibilities include coordinating education for families, supporting school re-entry, and collaborating with the care team to discharge planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field.
• Child Life Certificate or proof of eligibility required.
• CPR certification required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with hospitalized children preferred.
• Background in Child Development or Psychology encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Perform a comprehensive assessment of the child's development and plan individualized treatment.
• Prepare children and families for procedures using developmentally appropriate methods.
• Facilitate a therapeutic play program with family involvement.
• Provide parent education on child development and discharge planning.
• Support school re-entry and coordinate care with school staff.
• Coordinate therapeutic activities in the Therapeutic Recreation/Child Life Department.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Family-centered care

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Child Life Certificate

Master's Degree (preferred)

Tools

CPR certification

Job description

Company OverviewShriners Children’s is an organization that respects, supports, and values each other. Named as the 2025 best mid-sized employer by Forbes, we are engaged in providing excellence in patient care, embracing multi-disciplinary education, and research with global impact. We foster a learning environment that values evidenced based practice, experience, innovation, and critical thinking. Our compassion, integrity, accountability, and resilience define us as leaders in pediatric specialty care for our children and their families.With 20+ hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe, we provide excellent care to children up to age 18 regardless of their family’s ability to pay or insurance status. Please click here to learn more about our locations.Job DescriptionJob SummaryThe Child Life Specialist provides developmentally appropriate interventions to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with healthcare experiences for pediatric patients and their families at The Shriners Hospital for Children.Key ResponsibilitiesPerforms a comprehensive assessment of child's development, temperament, coping style, medical planand available social supports to develop an individualized treatment plan; utilizes therapeutic play techniquesas a diagnostic and treatment tool.Utilizes developmentally appropriate methods to prepare children and/or families for diagnostic andtreatment procedures. Utilizes stress reduction techniques to facilitate adaptive coping and providesemotional support during identified stress points.Facilitates a therapeutic play program in cooperation with the Activities Coordinators promoting self-healing,self-expression, understanding and mastery; involves family and patient in selection of treatment goals, plansand implementation of daily child life activities.Maintains a working relationship with parent and families and provides supportive services to the entirefamily unit. Supports family bonds and utilizes family strengths in the care of the child. Provides parenteducation in the area of child development and collaborate with families regarding patients' goals, progressand discharge plan.Plans, coordinates, implements, and/or supervises activities for patients including, special events, outsidegroup entertainment, patient birthday parties, as well as in-house group programs such as, arts and crafts,expressive arts, medical play, baking group, preschool play and other recreation and diversionary/non-structured activities in the Therapeutic Recreation/Child Life Department.Supports the School re-entry program by working cooperatively with the team in preparing patients for re-entry to their home schools. When appropriate, travels to the patient’s home school to directly implement there-entry.Plans and coordinates therapeutic outings with the TR Specialist as appropriate for patient care.Required QualificationsBachelor's DegreeChild Life Certificate, or proof of eligibilityCPRPreferred QualificationsMaster's DegreePrevious experience working with hospitalized and health childrenBackground in Child Development, Child Life, Psychology, or similar fieldCompensation is determined based on years of relevant experience and departmental equity.