PRN Child Life Specialist: Mercy St. Louis

Mercy; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Kids St. Louis is seeking a compassionate Child Life Specialist to support pediatric patients and families on a PRN basis. You’ll provide developmentally appropriate education, therapeutic play, and emotional support to help children cope with tests, procedures, and hospital stays.

Collaborating with the care team, you’ll develop individualized care plans, coordinate activities, supervise students and volunteers, and contribute to a family-centered approach across Mercy Children’s Hospital.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Education or related field.
• Child Life Certification (CCLS).
• Experience in pediatric hospital, healthcare, or child development setting.
• Experience supervising students, interns or volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Provide developmentally appropriate education, preparation, and support for children undergoing tests, procedures, surgeries, and treatments.
• Help reduce fear and anxiety through therapeutic play, coping strategies, and emotional support.
• Advocate for patients and families while promoting patient- and family-centered care.
• Assess patient and family needs and develop individualized treatment goals and care plans.
• Facilitate therapeutic group and individual activities that support normal growth and development.
• Reassess treatment goals and modify interventions based on changing patient needs.
• Orient patients and families to Child Life services and available resources.
• Provide clear and effective patient and family education throughout the continuum of care.
• Collaborate with volunteers, community organizations, entertainers, and support groups to enhance the patient experience.
• Supervise Child Life students, interns, and volunteers.

Skills

Compassionate

Creative

Strong communicators

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Education, or a related field

Child Life Certification (CCLS)

Job description

Find your calling at Mercy! PRN | Flexible Scheduling | Pediatric Healthcare

Find your calling at Mercy! PRN | Flexible Scheduling | Pediatric Healthcare

Help Children Thrive Through Compassionate Care

At Mercy Kids St. Louis, we understand that a hospital stay can be overwhelming for children and their families. That's why our Child Life Specialists play a vital role in creating positive experiences, reducing anxiety, and helping children navigate healthcare with confidence.

We're seeking a compassionate, creative, and dedicated Child Life Specialist to join our team on a PRN basis. In this role, you'll provide emotional support, therapeutic interventions, education, and play opportunities that promote coping, development, and healing for pediatric patients and their families.

Position Details

Why Mercy Kids?

• Flexible PRN Schedule
• Collaborative Pediatric Care Team
• Meaningful Impact on Children and Families
• Opportunities to Lead Special Events and Programs
• Supportive and Mission-Driven Culture

What You’ll Do

• Provide developmentally appropriate education, preparation, and support for children undergoing tests, procedures, surgeries, and treatments
• Help reduce fear and anxiety through therapeutic play, coping strategies, and emotional support
• Advocate for patients and families while promoting patient- and family-centered care
• Assess patient and family needs and develop individualized treatment goals and care plans
• Facilitate therapeutic group and individual activities that support normal growth and development
• Reassess treatment goals and modify interventions based on changing patient needs
• Orient patients and families to Child Life services and available resources
• Provide clear and effective patient and family education throughout the continuum of care
• Support a safe environment during all therapeutic activities
• Coordinate special events, celebrations, and enrichment opportunities for patients and families
• Collaborate with volunteers, community organizations, entertainers, and support groups to enhance the patient experience
• Conduct pre-operative tours and surgical preparation as needed
• Educate hospital departments about Child Life services and serve as a resource across Mercy Children's Hospital
• Supervise Child Life students, interns, and volunteers
• Complete documentation accurately and within established timelines
• Manage department supplies and equipment while maintaining budget stewardship
• Stay current on best practices, technical advancements, and therapeutic approaches in Child Life

What We’re Looking For

• Passionate about supporting pediatric patients and their families
• Compassionate, energetic, and patient-focused
• Creative in developing therapeutic and educational activities
• Strong communicators and advocates
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Organized, adaptable, and dependable

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Education, or a related field
• Child Life Certification (CCLS)
• Previous experience in a pediatric hospital, healthcare, or child development setting
• Experience supporting children through medical procedures and hospitalizations
• Experience supervising students, interns, or volunteers

Join Mercy Kids St. Louis

If you're passionate about helping children cope, heal, and thrive during challenging healthcare experiences, we invite you to join our award-winning pediatric team. Your expertise, creativity, and compassion can make a lasting difference for the children and families we serve every day.

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.

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