Child Life Specialist

Job Title: Child Life Specialist (CLS)
Location: Riley Hospital Heart Center / CVICU, Indianapolis, IN
Shift: Full-Time, Rotating

The Child Life Specialist (CLS) is an integral member of the healthcare team dedicated to addressing the psychosocial and emotional needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults during their hospital stay. Responsible for supporting patients and their families in adjusting to illness, injury, or loss across critical, acute, and outpatient settings. The CLS assesses developmental, psychosocial, and cultural needs and implements developmentally appropriate interventions to educate, prepare, and support families, enhancing their ability to cope with the hospital experience.

The specialist collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to promote emotionally safe, family-centered care.

• Support patients and families emotionally and developmentally during hospitalization and procedures.

• Assess psychosocial, developmental, and cultural needs of patients and families.

• Use developmentally appropriate interventions to educate, prepare, and support patients and families.

• Advocate for family-centered, emotionally safe care within the healthcare team.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to optimize patient and family experiences.

• Provide emotional support during difficult or traumatic situations, including illness, injury, or loss.

• Facilitate therapeutic activities, play, and education to foster coping and understanding.

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related field (e.g., Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work).

• Experience: 0-3 years of relevant experience preferred.

• Certification:

  • ACLP Certified Child Life Specialist certification required within one year of hire date.

• Certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association required.

• Skills:

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Ability to assess psychosocial and developmental needs.

  • Knowledge of child development and family-centered care principles.

  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Full-time, rotating shifts at Riley Hospital Heart Center / CVICU.

• Supportive environment dedicated to family-centered, emotionally safe care for pediatric patients and their families.

Join our team and make a meaningful difference in the hospital experiences of children and their families.

Apply now to become a part of Riley Hospital’s dedicated Child Life Services team.

To learn more about our benefits, visit: IU Health Benefits