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  3. Child Life Specialist
UO

Child Life Specialist

University of Rochester·City of Rochester, New York

$24 - $33/hr·Full Time·On Site·2-5 yrs·Posted 1 month ago
Practice for this role

About the role

Provides evidence-based child life interventions, including therapeutic play and education, to reduce anxiety and pain for pediatric patients. Supervises child life interns and collaborates with healthcare teams to develop complex care plans.

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address): 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening

Worker Subtype

Regular

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Department: 500430 Child Life-Peds Nursing/SMH

Work Shift

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range: UR URC 208 H

Compensation Range

$24.00 - $33.60

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

  • Provides evidence-based, developmentally appropriate child life interventions that include therapeutic play, preparation, and education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children.
  • Develops and delivers skilled child life services focused on the developmental, emotional, and psychosocial needs of the child.
  • Serves as a preceptor in the onboarding of newly hired team members, directly orienting to day-to-day routines and procedures and departmental and hospital policies.
  • Advocates and serves as an educational resource with the healthcare team.
  • Develops departmental educational opportunities both within the department and with other medical disciplines.
  • Directs daily activities, oversees project work, conducts weekly conferences, evaluates, and takes responsibility for preparing complex care plans for student interns.
  • Serves as a resource for special projects as assigned.
  • Essential functions
  • Prepares children and families for healthcare experiences by providing developmentally appropriate explanations and facilitates support through medical events.
  • Assesses coping responses and needs of children and families to healthcare experience. Reviews comprehensive information related to all assigned patients daily. Develops plans to address assessed needs of the child and family. Continually evaluates the effectiveness of interventions. Documents assessment, plans, interventions, and evaluations in medical record and verbally when appropriate.
  • Implements psychosocial and developmental care to meet the needs of the child. Provides essential life experiences through play opportunities and other experiences which foster continued growth and development. Provides opportunities that encourage the expression of feelings and promote a sense of mastery and understanding of healthcare experience. Advocates for comprehensive school services in the hospital when appropriate.
  • Supports the child’s relationship with parents and other family members by involving parents in child life plan and provides individualized support for siblings and peers that is cognizant of cultural needs.
  • Communicates effectively with members of the healthcare team in sharing observations, assessments, and recommendations for care. Educates team members on the developmental needs of children. Educates and advocates for therapeutic, safe, and inviting spaces for children, youth, and families.
  • Leads and participates in supervision of child life interns, volunteers, students and others participating in child life services, including selection, training, and placement.
  • Assists in the coordination of child life program activities and community groups and special programs within the department, including public relations involvement as assigned. Participates in team meetings and orientation to the department infrastructure, policies, protocols, and workflow. Participates in in-service education and continuing education opportunities and professional organizations. Remains compliant with all hospital and department policies, procedures, and standards of the team. Oversees the collection, selection and distribution of toys and equipment used in the program. Monitors and maintains use and condition of supplies, equipment, and materials within policies and guidelines necessary to provide child life services.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Minimum education & experience
  • Bachelor's degree in area related to Child Growth and Development and 3 years relevant experience, including some supervisory experience required
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 3 years of progressive work experience on the child life team with demonstrated job-related knowledge and proficiency required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Strong communication (both written and verbal), interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills required
  • Ability to collaborate with team members and families required
  • Ability to potentially work Weekends/Evenings based on practice need required
  • Licenses and certifications
  • CCLS - Certified Child Life Specialist Child Life Professional Certification upon hire required and
  • Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) upon hire required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Child Growth and Development or a related field with at least 3 years of relevant experience. Must hold CCLS certification and Association of Child Life Professionals membership upon hire.

  • bachelor degree
  • professional certificate
  • Case Management
  • Time Management
  • Organizational Skills
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Patient Education
  • Clinical Supervision
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Psychosocial Assessment
  • Therapeutic Play

Posting details

Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
$24 - $33/hr
Location
City of Rochester, New York
Posted
Jul 11, 2026
Application
Employer website
UO

Hiring organization

University of Rochester

The University of Rochester (UR) is a private, nonsectarian, research-intensive university located in Rochester, New York. The University grants bachelor's, masters, and doctoral degrees through seven schools and various interdisciplinary programs.The University enrolls over...

Salary listed on 52 jobs
IndustryHigher Education
TypeEducational
Size1,001-5,000 employees
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Market context

Child life roles stay competitive in New York

In New York, Child Life Specialist openings are often tied to pediatric hospitals and other child-focused care settings, so candidates may see steady demand where family-centered support is a priority. These roles are competitive because employers typically look for a bachelor’s degree, several years of relevant experience, CCLS certification, and Child Life Professionals membership at hire. Review the original posting carefully and confirm your certification timeline, since this platform AI-summarizes requirements and benefits from the source description to save research time.

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