Child Life Specialist

Loma Linda University Health; Loma Linda (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Child Life Specialist (CLS) at Loma Linda University Health collaborates with the pediatric care team to support patients across developmental stages—from neonate to adolescent—through therapeutic play, education, and coping strategies during hospitalization.

You will engage families to help them cope with procedures, surgeries, and grief, promote age-appropriate activities, and contribute to safe, kind, culturally responsive care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Child Life/Child Development or related field with emphasis in Child Life required.
• 500 hours of Child Life internship and one year experience in child development/education center required.
• Experience in hospital-based Child Life program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with pediatric care teams to support development across neonatal to young adult stages.
• Provide therapeutic play, education, and coping strategies during hospitalization and procedures.
• Assist families to cope with infection, procedures, surgeries, grief, and ensure culturally sensitive care.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Advocacy and education

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Child Life/Child Development

500 hours internship

Hospital-based CLS experience preferred

Job description

Job Summary

The Child Life Specialist (CLS) collaborates with the healthcare team to facilitate activities consistent with patients' age-specific (neonate, infant, toddler, preschooler, school age, adolescent, young adult) developmental needs. Works with pediatric patients and families to help them cope with hospitalization, procedures, surgeries, and grief through therapeutic play, education, and other interventions. Utilizes interpersonal skills to maximize excellence in customer service, safe patient care, and professionalism. Contributes to a work environment of caring and cooperation among a culturally diverse internal and external workforce and patient population. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Life/Child Development or related field with an emphasis in Child Life required. 500 hours of Child Life internship and one year experience in child development/education center required. Experience in hospital-based Child Life program preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

Able to: read; write legibly; speak in English with professional quality; use computer, printer, and software programs necessary to the position. Able to: relate and communicate positively, effectively, and professionally with others; be assertive and consistent in following and/or enforcing policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach, and collaborate; accept direction. Able to: communicate effectively in English in person, in writing, and on the telephone; think critically; perform basic math functions; manage multiple assignments effectively; compose written material; organize and prioritize workload; work well under pressure; problem solve; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail; work independently with minimal supervision.

Licensures and Certifications

Basic life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association required. Child Life Certification exam within one year of hire.

Our mission is to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Our core values are compassion, excellence, humility, integrity, justice, teamwork and wholeness.