Child Life Specialist

Richmond University Medical Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Richmond University Medical Center in New York seeks a dedicated Child Life Specialist to support pediatric patients across ambulatory surgery, emergency department, trauma, and pediatric floors.

The role focuses on assessing developmental and emotional needs, preparing children and families for procedures, using therapeutic play to reduce anxiety, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide family-centered care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Completion of an approved Child Life internship.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential required.
• Knowledge of child development, family systems, and therapeutic play techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assesses the developmental, emotional, and psychosocial needs of pediatric patients.
• Prepares children and families for medical procedures, surgery, and hospitalization using age-appropriate teaching methods.
• Uses therapeutic play, distraction techniques, and coping strategies to reduce fear and anxiety.
• Supports children during painful or stressful procedures.
• Provides emotional support and education to parents, siblings, and caregivers.
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide family-centered care.
• Advocates for the unique developmental and emotional needs of hospitalized children.
• Assists with bereavement support and crisis intervention when appropriate.
• Facilitates normalization activities, play opportunities, and developmental stimulation during hospitalization.
• Participates in patient and family education programs and community outreach activities

Skills

Child Life Theory

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Life or related field

CCLS credential

Job description

It’s fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they’re doing!

We’re committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Day Shift - 7.5 Hours (United States of America)

Child Life Specialist for all pediatric patients, i.e.; ambulatory surgery, emergency department, trauma, and pediatric floor patients.

• Assesses the developmental, emotional, and psychosocial needs of pediatric patients.
• Prepares children and families for medical procedures, surgery, and hospitalization using age-appropriate teaching methods.
• Uses therapeutic play, distraction techniques, and coping strategies to reduce fear and anxiety.
• Supports children during painful or stressful procedures.
• Provides emotional support and education to parents, siblings, and caregivers.
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide family-centered care.
• Advocates for the unique developmental and emotional needs of hospitalized children.
• Assists with bereavement support and crisis intervention when appropriate.
• Facilitates normalization activities, play opportunities, and developmental stimulation during hospitalization.
• Participates in patient and family education programs and community outreach activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Completion of an approved Child Life internship.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential required.
• Knowledge of child development, family systems, and therapeutic play techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Shift: Days w/ eo wknd & hols.

Salary Range: 70k-80k

Child Life Specialists are particularly important in pediatric trauma care because they help children understand injuries and treatments, reduce procedural anxiety, support families during emergencies, and promote emotional recovery following traumatic events. This aligns with family-centered care principles emphasized in your organization’s pediatric trauma and emergency department guidelines.

Employment Non-Discrimination: Richmond University Medical Center is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment and provides full and equal employment opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions and needs including lactation accommodations, physical or mental disability, age, immigration or citizenship status, veteran or active military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you’ll enjoy your career with us!