Pediatric Child Life Specialist — Team-Based Therapy

RWJBarnabas Health; Lincoln Park (NJ); On-site; USD 56,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Child Life Specialist in New Brunswick, NJ, within the Recreational Therapy department. The role focuses on therapeutic play, education, and family-centered care to support pediatric patients and families during illness and hospitalization.

The position emphasizes individualized care planning, collaboration with clinical teams, and contributions to patient comfort, coping, and recovery through evidence-based interventions and comprehensive documentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Early Childhood Education, or a closely related human services field.
• Successful completion of a formal Child Life internship.
• Proven work or volunteer experience directly supporting children with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Designing individualized care by assessing development, coping, play preferences and family dynamics.
• Delivering evidence-based interventions through therapeutic sessions and teaching.
• Collaborating with families, therapists, nurses and physicians for discharge planning.
• Fostering community and milieu by coordinating events and diversional playrooms.
• Ensuring clinical compliance with documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Leading volunteers and interns to maximize unit efficiency and engagement.
• Maintaining operational safety of playrooms and materials.

Skills

Child Life interventions

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Early Childhood Education, or related field

Job description

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Child Life Specialist in New Brunswick, NJ, within the Recreational Therapy department. The role focuses on therapeutic play, education, and family-centered care to support pediatric patients and families during illness and hospitalization.

The position emphasizes individualized care planning, collaboration with clinical teams, and contributions to patient comfort, coping, and recovery through evidence-based interventions and comprehensive documentation.