Child Life Specialist (Per Diem) - Child Life

About the Role

The Child Life Specialist is a member of the healthcare team who focuses on the emotional and developmental needs of children and families to reduce stress and anxiety associated with a healthcare experience through play, education, preparation, and other therapeutic interventions. This role enables children and families to cope more effectively and encourages optimum development of children facing challenging experiences.

Responsibilities

• Address the emotional and developmental needs of children and families in a healthcare setting.
• Use play, education, preparation, and therapeutic interventions to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Support children and families in coping with healthcare experiences.

Requirements

• BLS for Health Providers (American Heart Association).
• California Driver’s License.
• Proof of Auto Insurance.
• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in child life, child development, psychology, or related field with an emphasis in child life, meeting the 10-coursework requirement set forth by the Association of the Child Life Professionals.
• Completed a 600-hour pediatric Child Life internship in accordance with the guidelines established by the Association of Child Life Professionals.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) must be obtained within one year of hire date.
• If applicable, must successfully complete the required training from Canine Companions as a Resident Dog Handler.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree.
• 1 year of experience.
• Completed a practicum with a minimum of 100 hours.
• For Autism Friendly Health Systems Initiative (if applicable): Previous experience providing training, facilitation, and/or public speaking to interprofessional audiences.
• For Autism Friendly Health Systems Initiative (if applicable): Previous experience working with autistic children, neurodivergent individuals, and their families in healthcare or related settings.
• For Autism Friendly Health Systems Initiative (if applicable): Experience with program evaluation, quality improvement, and/or research activities.

Pay

The current salary range for this position is $29.48 to $40.55 per hour. Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. The range listed does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity.