Child Life Specialist

Company Overview

Shriners Children’s is an organization that respects, supports, and values each other. Named as the 2025 best mid‑sized employer by Forbes, we are engaged in providing excellence in patient care, embracing multi‑disciplinary education, and research with global impact. We foster a learning environment that values evidence‑based practice, experience, innovation, and critical thinking. Our compassion, integrity, accountability, and resilience define us as leaders in pediatric specialty care for our children and their families.

All employees are eligible for medical coverage on their first day! In addition, upon hire all employees are eligible for a 403(b) and Roth 403(b) Retirement Saving Plan with matching contributions of up to 6% after one year of service. Employees in a FT or PT status (40+ hours per pay period) will also be eligible for paid time off, life insurance, short term and long‑term disability and the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plans and a Health Savings Account (HSA) if a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is elected.

Additional benefits available to FT and PT employees include tuition reimbursement, home & auto, hospitalization, critical illness, pet insurance and much more! Coverage is available to employees and their qualified dependents in accordance with the plans. Benefits may vary based on state law.

The Child Life Specialist provides evaluation, therapeutic play, preparation, procedural support, special events and reintegration programming. The Child Life Specialist is responsible for working with children, from infancy through adolescence, in a family‑centered care environment. This position provides services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The Specialist utilizes these practices in an effort to facilitate coping techniques and promote normal growth and development of the patient and family.

• Performs an individualized assessment to compile comprehensive and accurate data necessary to assess development, temperament, coping style, medical plan, cultural preferences and practices, and available social supports in order to develop an individualized development plan.
• Plans and implements an individualized treatment plan that identifies goals and evidence‑based intervention strategies.
• Participates in interdisciplinary patient care planning.
• Utilizes the EMR to document relevant patient and family information.
• Plans, implements, or assists with camps/workshops/special events.

This is not an all‑inclusive list of this job’s responsibilities. The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development or related field required.

Masters degree in Child Life, Child Development or related field preferred.

Certification/Licensure

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), or be eligible to sit for the certification exam.

Experience

One year’s experience in a hospital child life program preferred.