Child Life Specialist

CP01 Carilion Medical Center; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits

Employer-funded pension plan

Paid Time Off from day one

On-site fitness studios

Discounts on childcare

Job summary

CP01 Carilion Medical Center is seeking a Child Life Specialist to provide psychosocial and development-based assessments for children and families. The role includes implementing appropriate interventions and evaluating their effectiveness.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Child Life or related field, along with experience in an acute setting. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and retirement plans, along with continued education opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, education, or related field.
• Completion of a 480-hour child life internship under a Certified Child Life Specialist.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in an acute child life program.

Responsibilities

• Assess child/family strengths and risks, and plan appropriate interventions.
• Document plans and communicate with caregivers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide educational seminars for hospital staff on children's needs.

Skills

Assessment of psychosocial and developmental needs

Emotional support

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Child Life or related field

Completion of a 480-hour child life internship

Job description

Employment Status: Full time Shift: Day (United States of America) Facility: 4348 Electric Rd - Roanoke Requisition Number: R158887 Child Life Specialist (Open)

The Child Life Specialist provides psychosocial and development-based assessments and support to children of all ages and their families. Plans and provides emotionally and developmentally appropriate experiences to promote effective coping with health care and continued cognitive and emotional growth for infants, children, and adolescents. Promotes Carilion Clinics Culture of Excellence and quality service through teamwork, respectful communication, and partnership with those we serve.

Responsibilities

• Assesses child/family psychosocial and developmental strengths and risks, plans goals, implements indicated interventions, and evaluates effectiveness.
• Documents plans of care and communicates information to appropriate caregivers and multidisciplinary team.
• Provides emotional and bereavement support to children and families.
• Heads the psychosocial care team, organizing, prioritizing, supervising, and evaluating staff performance.
• Provides educational seminars and in‑services for hospital staff and other healthcare professionals to enhance understanding of children’s unique needs.
• Participates in planning a safe and supportive environment for children and families and in program budgeting, including supplies and staff support costs.
• Assists with transition of patients and families between units, coordinating with the designated child life specialist in each area.
• Supervises practicum students and may oversee a child life intern after one year of employment or completion of 4,000 paid hours as a CCLS.
• Serves as a resource and advocate on child development issues, communicating with community agencies.
• Must maintain required physical capacity, including walking, standing, lifting, and bending, and comply with infection control and hazardous material procedures.
• Adheres to the Child Life Council Code of Ethics and may be requested to provide care at other Carilion facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, education, special education, family studies, or related field, and completion of a 480‑hour child life internship under a Certified Child Life Specialist.
• At least 1–2 years of on‑the‑job experience in an acute setting within a child life program.
• Certified Child Life Specialist required within one year of hire.
• AHA BLS‑HCP certification required within six months of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to assess patient/family psychosocial and developmental level, plan goals, implement interventions, and evaluate effectiveness.
• Excellent communication skills, service‑excellence commitment, and organizational skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits.
• Employer‑funded pension plan, vested after five years.
• Paid Time Off accrued from day one.
• On‑site fitness studios and discounts to Carilion Wellness centers.
• Access to our health and wellness app, Virgin Pulse.
• Discounts on childcare.
• Continued education and training.

Carilion Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or veterans status.