Pediatric Child Life Specialist: Healing Through Play

Advocate Health Care; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care seeks a skilled Child Life Specialist to support children and their families in a hospital setting. You will plan therapeutic play, provide growth and bereavement support, and prepare patients for procedures while reducing medical trauma.

You will collaborate with staff and families to improve coping and communication across care teams. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Child Life/Child Development, completion of an ACLP internship, and certification as a Child Life

Qualifications

• Ability to function in a multidisciplinary environment while providing direct patient/family care.
• Ability to establish supportive relationships with children and their families and maintain rapport.
• Experience and comfort working with hospitalized children and families, including those with special needs.
• Strong knowledge of growth and development principles and age-appropriate care.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient and family support in growth, bereavement, and coping.
• Prepare children and families for procedures and support throughout the process.
• Educate staff on pediatric-friendly pain management and treatment approaches.
• Coordinate events and activities to support typical development during treatment.
• Collaborate with departments to engage donors and community partners.

Skills

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Interpersonal communication

Family relationship building

Adapt interventions for diverse needs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Life/Child Development

ACLP internship completion

Job description

Advocate Health Care seeks a skilled Child Life Specialist to support children and their families in a hospital setting. You will plan therapeutic play, provide growth and bereavement support, and prepare patients for procedures while reducing medical trauma.

You will collaborate with staff and families to improve coping and communication across care teams. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Child Life/Child Development, completion of an ACLP internship, and certification as a Child Life