Child Life Specialist (Fulltime/1.0FTE) Completion of Child Life Certificate is required.

Penn Medicine; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine is seeking a Child Life Specialist to provide essential care to pediatric patients and their families. This role involves delivering therapeutic activities, individualized care plans, and collaborating with medical teams to ensure optimal support during hospitalizations. The position requires a relevant degree and certification in Child Life or Therapeutic Recreation.

Benefits

Tuition assistance

Comprehensive benefits package

Commitment to diversity and equal opportunity

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Child Development or Psychology.
• At least two years of experience working with children, especially in healthcare.
• Certification in Child Life or Therapeutic Recreation expected within one year.

Responsibilities

• Provide child life services including education and procedural support.
• Assess individual patient needs and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Document care plans and ensure quality support practices.

Skills

Therapeutic activities

Assessment and care planning

Interdisciplinary communication

Volunteer training and supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or related field

Job description

Child Life Specialist (Fulltime/1.0FTE) - Completion of Child Life Certificate is required

Join Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, as a Child Life Specialist (Fulltime/1.0FTE).

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to providing the highest level of care, conducting innovative research, and educating future medical leaders. Working here means collaborating with top professionals across disciplines.

The Child Life Specialist (CLS) supports pediatric patients and their families through medical and psychosocial needs, helping them cope with illness, injury, trauma, and hospitalization. Responsibilities include designing pediatric programs, therapies, and activities, and monitoring child development.

Essential Functions

• Provide child life services, including therapeutic activities, education, procedural preparation, and support.
• Assess and individualize care plans based on patient and family needs.
• Communicate plans with the interdisciplinary team and families.
• Collaborate with patients, families, and team members for optimal care.
• Ensure proper documentation and support documentation practices among staff.
• Train and supervise volunteers.
• Manage department resources.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Child Life, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field.
• Completion of Child Life internship or within 6 months of hire.
• At least two years of experience working with children, preferably in healthcare.
• Certification in Child Life and/or Therapeutic Recreation (CCLS/CTRS) within one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Certification in Child Life and/or Therapeutic Recreation.
• Experience as a paid Child Life Specialist or Recreation Therapist.

We support our employees with comprehensive benefits, including tuition assistance, and are committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment.