Child Life Specialist I

TALENT Software Services; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

TALENT Software Services in Tulsa, OK, seeks a Child Life Specialist to plan, implement, and evaluate programs for hospitalized children and families. You’ll work with a healthcare team to create developmentally appropriate activities and document assessments in the medical record.

The role emphasizes education, volunteer supervision, and community outreach, with a path to CCLS certification within a year and collaboration across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in child life, child development, or related field.
• Completion of a 480-hour child life internship or fellowship.
• CCLS certification required or must be obtained within one year of employment.
• 0–1 year of experience in child development; healthcare experience preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess the individual needs of children and families to plan developmentally and therapeutically appropriate activities.
• Document child life assessments, observations, and recommendations in the medical record.
• Orient and supervise volunteers in providing ongoing play and developmental activities.
• Participate in marketing, public relations, and community-based activities related to children's health.
• Support research and implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Maintain educational and clinical expertise by reviewing professional materials, attending conferences/workshops, and networking with other child life programs.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in child life/child development or related field

480-hour child life internship or fellowship

Master's degree in child life studies (preferred)

CCLS certification

Job description

Job Summary

The role involves being an integral part of the healthcare team, responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs designed to meet the specialized non-medical needs of hospitalized children and their families.

Minimum Education

A Bachelor's degree in child life, child development, or a related field is required. Completion of a 480-hour child life internship or fellowship is mandatory. A Master's degree in child life studies is preferred.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification

Certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is required or must be obtained within one year of employment.

Work Experience

0 - 1 year of experience in child development is required. Experience in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Assess the individual needs of children and families to plan developmentally and therapeutically appropriate activities.
• Document child life assessments, observations, and recommendations in the medical record.
• Orient and supervise volunteers in providing ongoing play and developmental activities.
• Participate in marketing, public relations, and community-based activities related to children's health.
• Support research and implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Maintain educational and clinical expertise by reviewing professional materials, attending conferences/workshops, and networking with other child life programs.

Decision Making

Exercise independent judgment in making decisions involving non-routine problems under general supervision.

Working Relationships

• Direct interaction with patients and/or customers.
• Collaboration with internal customers through telephone or face-to-face interactions.
• Work alongside other healthcare professionals and staff.