Child Life Specialist

Posted: 26-Jul-26 • Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

About the role

The Child Life Specialist, in collaboration with pediatric service team members, is responsible for assessing the psycho-social, developmental, and cognitive needs of patients, while enriching the hospital experience for pediatric patients and their families through preparation, education, coping support, alternative focus, and developmental care, to ensure the best possible experience for the child and family. Meets child life competencies and other skills/activities in accordance with the job description. Participates in child life departmental meetings and other related functions. Oversees, educates, and acts as a resource for child life students and volunteers in pediatric service areas. Demonstrates increasing proficiency in clinical skills. Displays strong interdisciplinary and family collaboration skills. Creates and develops educational resources. Participates in internal, external, and local associations/committees. Coordinates and supports community outreach initiatives inclusive of special visitors to pediatric service areas and Children’s In-Kind Donation intake and distribution.

Responsibilities

• Assess psycho-social, developmental, and cognitive needs of pediatric patients.
• Enrich the hospital experience through preparation, education, coping support, alternative focus, and developmental care.
• Participate in child life departmental meetings and related functions.
• Oversee, educate, and act as a resource for child life students and volunteers.
• Demonstrate increasing proficiency in clinical skills and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Create and develop educational resources.
• Participate in internal, external, and local associations/committees.
• Coordinate and support community outreach initiatives, including special visitors and Children’s In-Kind Donation intake and distribution.

Requirements

• Certified Child Life Specialist within 6 months of hire required.
• Child Life Certification preferred upon hire.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Life or Family Studies.
• 1 year of clinical experience in a Child-Life Program preferred.
• 1 year of fellowship/internship/residency in a related area preferred.

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

At WakeMed Health & Hospitals, we are guided by a simple – yet powerful mission: to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. Our team includes over 8,500 experienced registered nurses, technologists, medical professionals, support staff, and a medical staff of more than 1,200 physicians and advanced practice providers who are dedicated to putting patients first.