Child Life Specialist

Childrens Health; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Health seeks a Child Life Specialist to promote coping and development for children in a hospital setting. This role involves collaborating on care plans, providing support during medical procedures, and developing therapeutic interventions. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and Child Life Specialist certification, with a commitment to culturally effective care and community partnerships.

Benefits

Medical plan premiums covered after 3 years

Employee savings plan match (4%-10%) based on tenure

Paid Parental Leave (up to 12 weeks)

Caregiver Leave

Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Child Life Specialist certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.
• 1.5 years of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group support.
• Facilitate procedural preparation and support.
• Document developmental needs and coping strategies.

Skills

Support

Coping Strategies

Developmental Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degrees preferred

Job description

Job Title & Specialty Area: Child Life Specialist

Department: Child Life

Location: Dallas, TX

Shift: Various shifts

Job Type: On-Site

Why Children’s Health?

At Children's Health, our mission is to Make Life Better for Children. We recognize that children's health is crucial to achieving this goal. Through cutting-edge treatments and our affiliation with UT Southwestern, we aim to deliver an extraordinary patient and family experience, ensuring every moment contributes to their well-being.

Our commitment extends beyond our organization to the broader community. Together, we can make a significant difference in children's lives and contribute to a healthier future for all.

Summary

The Child Life Specialist promotes coping, growth, and development for children, teens, and young adults in the hospital environment. As part of the care team, this role collaborates on care plans, procedures, diagnosis education, play, coping support, and referrals to community services. The position aligns with the principles and practices of the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group support
• Facilitate procedural and surgical preparation and support
• Offer medical play opportunities to promote desensitization and understanding
• Use appropriate tools for diagnosis education for patients and families
• Create developmentally appropriate plans for therapeutic interventions
• Prepare siblings and visitors for visits and treatment-related events
• Support siblings and children for ongoing coping and normal growth
• Provide legacy building and bereavement support
• Coordinate and refer to community activities and resources
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the healthcare team; educate team members on child life services
• Document developmental needs, coping strategies, and plans in patient records
• Continuously develop self-reflective practices and incorporate feedback

How You’ll Be Successful

Work Experience

No previous experience required. Preferred.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required. Advanced degrees or graduate work preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

Child Life Specialist certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire. 1.5 years of experience required.

A Place Where You Belong

We prioritize our people, valuing and respecting diverse beliefs, identities, and experiences. We are dedicated to culturally effective care, community partnerships, and team development to make Children's Health an inclusive workplace.

Holistic Benefits – How We’ll Care for You

• Medical plan premiums covered after 3 years
• Employee savings plan match (4%-10%) based on tenure
• Paid Parental Leave (up to 12 weeks)
• Caregiver Leave
• Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement

Children's Health is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination in all employment aspects based on legally protected statuses.