Child Life Specialist-1

Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston (SC); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA) seeks a Temporary Child Life Specialist to support pediatric patients and families through psychosocial care, education, therapeutic play, and procedural support. This 16-hour-per-week, full-time-equivalent PRN role ensures continuity of Child Life services during an approved leave, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team in a hospital setting.

Applicants should have a master’s or bachelor’s degree in Child Life with certification; pediatric

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Child Life with certification and pediatric oncology experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life with pediatric oncology experience considered.
• Strong verbal and written communication, ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams under stress.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychosocial care and developmental support to pediatric patients and families.
• Deliver assessment, preparation, education, therapeutic play, and procedural support.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary care team to ensure family-centered care and continuity during leave.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Emotional sensitivity

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in Child Life

Bachelor’s degree in Child Life

Job description

Job Description Summary

Temporary Child Life Specialist: Provides psychosocial and developmental support to pediatric patients and families through assessment, education, therapeutic play, and procedural support, while collaborating with the interdisciplinary care team. This temporary position ensures continuity of Child Life services during an employee's approved FMLA/maternity leave.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

PRN

Cost Center

CC000358 CHS - Child Life Pediatrics (SJCH)

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-24

Scheduled Weekly Hours

16

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master's degree, Child Life Certification and pediatric oncology experience are highly preferred.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Child Life and pediatric oncology experience will be considered.

• Verbal and written communication skills, ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team, in stressful environment, and emotional sensitivity are all important to the success of this role.

The Temporary Child Life Specialist provides essential psychosocial care and developmental support to infants, children, adolescents, and families during hospitalization and medical treatment. This role delivers assessment, preparation, education, therapeutic play, procedural support, coping interventions, and family-centered care to minimize stress and promote positive healthcare experiences. The position maintains continuity of Child Life services during an approved FMLA/maternity leave period and collaborates with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to support patient and family needs. This is a temporary, full-time position expected to end upon the return of the employee from leave.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements

• Mobility & Posture

Standing: Continuous, Sitting: Continuous, Walking: Continuous, climbing stairs: Infrequent, working indoors: Continuous, working outdoors (temperature extremes): Infrequent, working from elevated areas: Frequent, working in confined/cramped spaces: Frequent, Kneeling: Infrequent, bending at the waist: Continuous, Twisting at the waist: Frequent, Squatting: Frequent

• Manual Dexterity & Strength

Pinching operations: Frequent, Gross motor use (fingers/hands): Continuous, Firm grasping (fingers/hands): Continuous, Fine manipulation (fingers/hands): Continuous, reaching overhead: Frequent, Reaching in all directions: Continuous, Repetitive motion (hands/wrists/elbows/shoulders): Continuous, Full use of both legs: Continuous, Balance & coordination (lower extremities): Frequent.

• Lifting & Force Requirements

Lift/carry 50 lbs. unassisted: Infrequent, Lift/lower 50 lbs. from floor to 36”: Infrequent, Lift up to 25 lbs. overhead: Infrequent, Exert up to 50 lbs. of force: Frequent

• Vision & Sensory

Maintain corrected vision 20/40 (one or both eyes): Continuous, Recognize objects (near/far): Continuous, Color discrimination: Continuous, Depth perception: Continuous, Peripheral vision: Continuous, Hearing acuity (with correction): Continuous, Tactile sensory function: Continuous, Gross motor with fine motor coordination: Continuous.

• Selected Positions

• Olfactory (smell) function: Continuous

• Respirator use qualification: Continuous

• Work Environment & Conditions

Effective stress management: Continuous, Rotating shifts: Frequent, Overtime as required: Frequent, Latex-safe environment: Continuous.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

Equal Opportunity

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

E-Verify

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