Child Life Specialist/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH) at the University of Kentucky is actively recruiting a compassionate and skilled Child Life Specialist to join our team. You will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient and family needs for children aged neonatal to 17 years.

As a Child Life Specialist, you will play a vital role in meeting the emotional, developmental, and psychosocial needs of our young patients and their families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, or health-related field with child life emphasis preferred.
• Completion of a child life internship required by date of hire.
• Child Life Certification required within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assess psychosocial needs of patients aged neonatal to 17.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate interventions to support patients and families.
• Collaborate with care teams to reduce stress and anxiety during hospitalization.
• Promote coping strategies and resilience in children and families.

Skills

Experience with children in stressful

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of child life assessment and

Education

Bachelor’s degree in child life or related health field

Completion of a child life internship by date of hire

Child Life Certification within one year of hire

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

Child Life Certification from the Association of Child Life Professionals within 18 months of hire date

Physical Requirements

This position requires intermittently standing or walking with objects weighing up to 25 pounds; and occasionally lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to or over 50 pounds; sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time and performing tasks with repetitive motions (such as typing); working at heights above four feet, and/or in confined spaces. Also involves some job-related travel (less than 10% of time); risk of injury from moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials; and exposure to loud noises, temperature extremes, hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste, radiation, burns, cuts/punctures, blood-borne or airborne pathogens, combative/violent people.

Shift

Job Summary

Golisano Children’s Hospital ( GCH ) at the University of Kentucky is actively recruiting a compassionate and skilled Child Life Specialist to join our dedicated team. GCH hosts the states only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care and is home to a Pediatric Level I Trauma Center offering the excellent opportunity to deliver a wide range of interventions and services. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating psychosocial patient and family needs for children aged neonatal to 17 years. As a Child Life Specialist, you will play a vital role in meeting the emotional, developmental, and psychosocial needs of our young patients and their families. With a special focus on helping children and adolescents navigate the challenges associated with illness, injury, and hospitalization, you will actively work to minimize stressors and alleviate anxiety. Your commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment will contribute significantly to the overall well-being of our patients and their families. This position requires the completion of a child life internship under the supervision of a certified Child Life Specialist as outlined by the ACLP (www.childlife.org/certification/becoming-certified). CCLS certification must be obtained within one year of hire. Beyond the requisite qualifications, we are seeking an individual who is eager to align themselves with opportunities that promote continuous professional development. By actively engaging in ongoing education and staying abreast of advancements in the field, you will not only enhance your own skills but contribute to the overall excellence of our Child Life Services program. Join our dynamic team at Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Kentucky and be a part of an organization that values your expertise in enhancing the lives of children and families during challenging times. Your dedication to promoting resilience and positive coping strategies will make a lasting impact on the psychosocial well-being of those we serve.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will have experience working with children and families in stressful situations; good communication skills; and an understanding of child life assessment, child development theory, and child life practice.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, or health-related field with child life emphasis preferred. Completion of a child life internship required by date of hire. Child Life Certification required within one year of hire.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/29/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.