Child Life Specialist, Emergency Department

A member of the pediatric health care team who focuses on the emotional, social, and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families in healthcare settings. This professional works with children and adolescents across the continuum of care to ease the anxiety and stress that accompanies illness, injury, or chronic conditions.

$5,000 sign‑on bonus. Up to $5,000 relocation bonus.

Working hours:

four 10‑hour shifts per week (12:00 PM‑10:30 PM) with rotating weekend coverage.

• Recognize and address the importance of therapeutic play in helping children master and cope with health care experiences.
• Observe and assess the unique needs of patients and their families to provide tailored support and understanding.
• Prepare children and families for medical procedures.
• Facilitate medical play opportunities for patients and their siblings to support coping skills.
• Assist patients and their families in coping with new diagnosis, chronic illnesses, treatment, hospitalization, and loss.
• Treat children, parents, and team members with dignity and respect.
• Establish relationships with team members and families that reflect the key elements of family‑centered care.
• Functions as an effective team member working with multiple departments and volunteers to ensure that individual and collaborative assignments/responsibilities are met.
• Maintains records.
• Meets training requirements on an annual basis.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or a related field required.
• Completion of a minimum of 600‑hour Child Life Internship required.
• Experience:
  
  None required.
• Licensure:
  Child Life Professional Certification within one year of hire required. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.

Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull 20‑50 lbs. May be exposed to noise, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

Position compensation range: $18.74 – $37.48 hourly.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
  Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Long‑term and Short‑term Disability, Retirement Savings
• Health Savings Plans and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and education support
• Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health is a world‑class Magnet recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023‑2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023‑2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children’s hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation.

Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.  to read more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.