Child Life Assistant - Pediatrics/Children Hospital

Founded in 1906, McLeod Health is a locally owned and managed, not-for-profit organization with more than 900 medical staff, 2,900 licensed nurses, and 15,000 team members serving an 18-county area. The system includes seven hospitals, three health and fitness centers, a sports medicine and outpatient rehabilitation center, hospice, and home health services.

About the role

The Child Life Assistant supports the Child Life Specialist and healthcare team in providing developmentally appropriate activities and emotional support to pediatric patients and their families. This role helps create a positive, safe, and nurturing environment that promotes normal growth and development during hospitalization.

Responsibilities

• Assists in planning, preparing, and facilitating age-appropriate play, recreational, and educational activities for pediatric patients.
• Maintains and sanitizes playrooms, activity areas, toys, and supplies in accordance with infection control standards.
• Supports children during hospitalization by providing opportunities for play, distraction, and normalization of the healthcare experience.
• Assists Child Life Specialists with procedural preparation and support activities as directed.
• Provides companionship and engages children in therapeutic and recreational activities to promote emotional well-being.
• Organizes, inventories, and replenishes activity supplies, toys, crafts, and educational materials.
• Assists with coordinating special events, celebrations, and community-supported activities for pediatric patients and families.
• Greets and orients children and families to playroom services and available resources.
• Collaborates with Child Life Specialists, nursing staff, volunteers, and other healthcare team members to support patient care goals.
• Supports family-centered care by promoting positive interactions and providing basic information regarding available child life services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Child Life, Psychology, Education, Recreation Therapy, or related field preferred.
• Preferred experience working with children in a healthcare, childcare, educational, camp, or recreational setting.
• Experience supporting pediatric patients and families in a medical environment preferred.
• Basic knowledge of child development and age-appropriate activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Child Life coursework or experience preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule based on patient and departmental needs.