Child Life Specialist I: Pediatric Coping & Play Therapy

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc.; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 18,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc. is seeking a part-time Child Life Specialist to provide therapeutic intervention and psychosocial support for pediatric patients and their families.

The role focuses on helping families cope with hospital experiences, reducing fear, and supporting growth across childhood stages. Responsibilities include assessing coping needs, planning individualized goals, delivering education, and documenting outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field is required.
• Master's degree in Child Life, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field is preferred.
• Completion of a 480-hour professional Child Life Internship under a Certified Child Life Specialist is required.
• Professional Child Life hospital experience is preferred.
• BLS certification is required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential or commitment to obtain within 18 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Plans and provides therapeutic intervention and psychosocial developmental care for pediatric patients and families.
• Assesses coping needs, develops goals and educates families to reduce fear and improve understanding.
• Facilitates developmentally appropriate therapeutic play and self-expression activities.
• Advocates for patient/family needs within the healthcare team and participates in rounds.
• Documents assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the medical record.
• Participates in supervision, training of students/volunteers, and mentoring of new staff.

Skills

Bilingual English-Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Life or related field

Master's degree preferred in Child Life or related field

Job description

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc. is seeking a part-time Child Life Specialist to provide therapeutic intervention and psychosocial support for pediatric patients and their families.

The role focuses on helping families cope with hospital experiences, reducing fear, and supporting growth across childhood stages. Responsibilities include assessing coping needs, planning individualized goals, delivering education, and documenting outcomes.