Child Life Specialist - Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Position Number 964593 | Full-time | Recruitment Range: $44,513 - $94,487 | Anticipated Hiring Range: $60,000 - $68,000

About the University

East Carolina University (ECU) is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities for its commitment to research, innovation, social mobility, and public service. Classified as a R1 institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, ECU is among the top 5% of research universities in the United States. Founded in 1907, ECU is a public, four-year university located in Greenville, N.C., widely regarded as the cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. Through education, research, healthcare, community engagement, athletics, cultural enrichment, and service, ECU enhances the quality of life for its students, the state, and communities around the world.

The university supports its workforce through a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to foster career growth and skill advancement. Eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

About the Department

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest clinical departments within the East Carolina University School of Medicine. Its mission is to provide quality patient care, teach medical students and residents, and conduct research. The department consists of 16 sections, including Hematology/Oncology, and is funded through state appropriations, practice plan income, and grants. The department’s goals include exemplary medical education, comprehensive pediatric care for eastern North Carolina, advancing scientific knowledge, and providing continuing medical education.

The Brody School of Medicine operates within ECU Health under a joint operating agreement.

About the Role

This position provides Child Life therapeutic services to pediatric hematology and oncology patients and their families in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology outpatient clinic at the Brody School of Medicine at ECU, as well as in other areas at ECU Health. The role uses knowledge of child development, coping theory, and psychosocial intervention to reduce distress, support medical compliance, and promote adaptive coping during repeated procedures and chronic illness management.

The position independently conducts developmental and psychosocial assessments, implements therapeutic interventions, and provides developmentally appropriate preparation and procedural support. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the Child Life Specialist supervises Child Life practicum and internship students consistent with Child Life certification standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide Child Life therapeutic services to pediatric hematology and oncology patients and their families.
• Conduct developmental and psychosocial assessments.
• Implement therapeutic interventions to reduce distress and support medical compliance.
• Provide developmentally appropriate preparation and procedural support.
• Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Supervise Child Life practicum and internship students in accordance with certification standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Child Life or a related therapeutic specialty from an appropriately accredited institution.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Child Life.

Pay

$44,513 - $94,487 per year (Recruitment Range) | Anticipated Hiring Range: $60,000 - $68,000

Schedule

• Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in the UNC Optional Retirement Program (ORP) with matching employer contributions.
• Eligibility to participate in various Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Plans (401k, 403b, 457).
• Multiple voluntary options for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Supplemental plans including Critical Illness, Flexible Spending Accounts, Cancer, and Disability.
• Professional development opportunities for career growth and skill advancement.