Child Life Specialist

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 71,090 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation allowance

Job summary

UVA Health Children’s is seeking a Child Life Specialist to assess, educate, prepare, and support pediatric patients and families throughout the healthcare experience. The role emphasizes emotional wellbeing, coping, and resilience during illness, procedures, and hospitalization.

You will collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, and care teams, using developmentally appropriate education and therapeutic play to reduce anxiety and stress for patients and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, or related field.
• Successful completion of a 600-hour Child Life Internship under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assess developmental, psychosocial, and emotional needs of pediatric patients and families.
• Prepare children for procedures using developmentally appropriate education and therapeutic play.
• Provide procedural and emotional support before, during, and after medical interventions.
• Support families during times of uncertainty, crisis, and adjustment.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, and care teams.
• Adapt interventions for diverse patient populations and varying acuity.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Emotional support for pediatric care

Therapeutic play

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

600-hour Child Life Internship

Job description

At UVA Health Children’s, Child Life Specialists play a vital role in helping children and adolescents understand, cope with, and navigate the challenges of illness, hospitalization, and medical procedures. This is meaningful, highly skilled work, supporting patients and families at moments that matter most and ensuring emotional care is integrated into every clinical experience.

A career-defining opportunity in pediatric care.

This is more than a Child Life position. It is an opportunity to practice at the top of your training within one of the nation’s premier academic health systems. At UVA Health Children’s, Child Life Specialists are respected clinical partners whose expertise directly contributes to resilience, reduced anxiety, and positive coping outcomes for pediatric patients and their families. If you have completed your Child Life coursework and internship and are ready to grow your career in a collaborative, high acuity pediatric environment, UVA Health offers the support, scope, and purpose to do your best work.

We have open positions in the following areas:

• Pediatric Emergency Department (Nights and Weekends)
• Pediatric Acute Care
• Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
• Outpatient Surgery

The Role

The Child Life Specialist is responsible for assessing, educating, preparing, and supporting pediatric patients and families throughout the healthcare experience. This role focuses on promoting emotional wellbeing, fostering coping and resilience, and minimizing the stress and anxiety associated with illness, injury, and hospitalization.

In this role, you will:

• Assess developmental, psychosocial, and emotional needs of pediatric patients and families
• Prepare children and adolescents for medical procedures using developmentally appropriate education and therapeutic play
• Provide procedural and emotional support before, during, and after medical interventions
• Support families during times of uncertainty, crisis, and adjustment
• Collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, and interdisciplinary care teams
• Adapt interventions to meet the needs of diverse patient populations across varying levels of acuity

An average day may include bedside support, procedural preparation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and family education—often in fast paced, emotionally complex environments where your presence makes a measurable difference.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health Children’s is consistently recognized as the #1 Children’s Hospital in Virginia, reflecting a deep commitment to pediatric excellence, academic medicine, and compassionate, family centered care. Located within UVA Medical Center, UVA Health Children’s offers advanced specialty and surgical services, a Level I Trauma Center, a Level IV NICU, and a Pediatric ICU—providing Child Life Specialists with broad clinical exposure and meaningful professional growth opportunities. As part of UVA Health, you’ll join a nationally recognized academic health system known for innovation, collaboration, and Magnet recognized nursing excellence. Child Life Specialists are valued members of the care team, supported by leadership that understands the critical role of psychosocial care in pediatric outcomes. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life, blending small‑city charm with big university energy. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area is known for its outdoor recreation, vibrant arts and music scene, award‑winning food and wineries, and strong sense of community. With a lower cost of living than many academic medical hubs and easy access to hiking, biking, and cultural events, Charlottesville is a place where healthcare professionals can truly balance career fulfillment with personal wellbeing.

Compensation for this role reflects the value UVA Health Children’s places on the impact, expertise and scope of responsibility of the child life specialists. The base pay rate is $34.13 per hour, with a pay structure designed to attract and retain top talent while acknowledging the skill, experience, and leadership required to succeed in this role.

This role offers a $5,000 sign‑on bonus and relocation allowance up to $5,000 for qualified candidates.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in child life, child development, or a related field.
• Successful completion of a minimum 600‑hour Child Life Clinical Internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.
• Child Life Professional Certification required within one year of hire.
• AHA Health Care Provider BLS Certification required.

Physical Demands

Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; attention to detail and ability to write legibly; ability to lift/push/pull 20–50 lbs. May be exposed to noise, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Long‑term and Short‑term Disability, Retirement Savings
• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and education support
• Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health is a world‑class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. UVA Health Children’s is named the best children’s hospital in Virginia. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.