Certified Child Life Specialist - Pediatric Emergency & Inpatient Services

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient & Family Support

• Provide developmentally appropriate preparation, education, and emotional support to pediatric patients and their families during emergency department visits, hospitalizations, procedures, and transitions of care.
• Utilize therapeutic and medical play, coping strategies, and normalization activities to reduce stress, fear, and trauma.
• Support children and families during invasive procedures, acute illness, injury, and resuscitation events, as appropriate.
• Assess psychosocial and developmental needs and tailor interventions based on age, diagnosis, cultural background, and family dynamics.

Procedural Support

• Offer procedural preparation and support for interventions such as IV starts, imaging, wound care, sedation, and surgical procedures.
• Collaborate with nursing and medical staff to promote trauma‑informed, family‑centered care.
• Coach patients in coping techniques (e.g., distraction, guided imagery, breathing).

Family-Centered & Trauma‑Informed Care

• Provide support and education to caregivers, including siblings of hospitalized children.
• Assist families during emotionally difficult situations such as unexpected diagnoses, critical illness, or prolonged hospital stays.
• Support bereavement and end‑of‑life situations in coordination with interdisciplinary teams as needed.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and communicate psychosocial needs to the care team.
• Collaborate with nursing, physicians, social work, case management, chaplaincy, and behavioral health services.
• Advocate for pediatric‑friendly environments and practices within the ED and inpatient units.

Simulation, Education, & Program Development

• Participate in pediatric simulation activities by assisting with realism, family role‑play, and developmental context.
• Educate staff, students, and volunteers on child development, coping strategies, and family‑centered care principles.
• Assist in developing age‑appropriate educational materials and programming for pediatric patients.

Documentation & Quality

• Document child life interventions and assessments in the electronic medical record (Epic).
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to patient experience, pediatric trauma reduction, and family satisfaction.
• Track metrics and outcomes related to child life services as requested for program evaluation or grant reporting.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a closely related field
• Completion of a Child Life Internship (minimum 480 hours) in an acute care pediatric setting
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential or eligibility to sit for the certification exam
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced Pediatric Emergency Department
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Child Life or related field
• Experience working in pediatric emergency medicine, inpatient pediatrics, or trauma settings
• Experience with simulation, trauma‑informed care, or high‑acuity pediatric patients
• ACLS/PALS or willingness to obtain per hospital policy

Physical & Emotional Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout clinical areas for extended periods
• Occasional lifting of toys, equipment, or supplies
• Emotional resilience when supporting patients and families during medical crises, trauma, or loss

Work Schedule

• Schedule may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on clinical needs
• Coverage shared between the Pediatric Emergency Department and inpatient pediatric units

Core Competencies

• Family‑centered care
• Trauma‑informed care
• Cultural sensitivity
• Crisis intervention
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Pediatric development expertise