Child Life Specialist - Galveston; Casual Appointment

Child Life Specialist - Galveston (Casual Appointment)

Join to apply for the Child Life Specialist - Galveston (Casual Appointment) role at The University of Texas Medical Branch
. This position provides evidence‑based, developmentally appropriate interventions to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children and youth in a healthcare setting.

• • Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field.

• • Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
• • One (1) to three (3) years of experience in a healthcare setting.

• • Master’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field.

Function: To provide evidence‑based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children and youth.

• Commitments to Child Life philosophies, policies and guidelines in supporting and planning programs for families of chronically ill and hospitalized children.
• Assess and prioritize patient/family needs for child life intervention.
• Support patients and family members in coping with the stresses associated with the health care experience.
• Provide opportunities for and facilitate a variety of group and individual play recreation and activities that promote development, self‑expression, and mastery.
• Evaluate emotional, social, mental and physical condition of referred patients utilizing therapeutic interventions and assessments.
• Support family‑centered care through communication and involvement of parents and other family members.
• Provide education regarding illness/condition, treatment, and coping techniques to patients, family members, and the larger community as appropriate.
• Function and consult as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, integrating goals and plans to promote optimal patient care that is family‑centered, developmentally appropriate, and psychosocially sound.
• Plan, implement and document treatment plans/outcomes for patients.
• Maintain equipment and supplies.
• Plan and implement additional Child Life activities (e.g., special events, patient/family workshops).
• Interface with donors, community groups and others vital to the continued growth of Child Life and UTMB Health System programs and visions.
• Orient and supervise volunteers.
• Provide education and in‑service training regarding Child Life Services to patients, families, medical staff of various disciplines, and students.
• Participate in professional development to enhance job performance and contribute to the accomplishment of Child Life department and UTMB hospital missions and goals.
• Commitment to team planning, problem solving and collaborative efforts. Strong interpersonal communication and listening skills.
• Adheres to Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) Core Competencies and Professional Standards of Practice.

• Ability to interact with seriously ill children of all developmental levels, their siblings, parents and other extended family members.
• Ability to assess situations with patients and families as they relate to specific needs for Child Life intervention (medical play, coping skills, etc.).
• Ability to function well in multidisciplinary team settings.
• Understanding of growth & development, family dynamics, learning theory, medical play, therapeutic play and activity programming.

Actual salary commensurate with experience.
Casual Appointment (Less than 19.99/week)

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

United States—Texas—Galveston (516 – John Sealy Annex)

October 6, 2025