Certified Child Life Specialist - Pediatric Emergency & Inpatient Services

Certified Child Life Specialist - Pediatric Emergency & Inpatient Services

The Child Life Specialist (CLS) is an integral member of the pediatric healthcare team who provides developmentally appropriate psychosocial care to infants, children, adolescents, and their families in the Pediatric Emergency Department and inpatient pediatric units. The CLS promotes coping, reduces fear and anxiety, and supports optimal adjustment to illness, injury, and hospitalization through evidence based child life interventions.

This role supports a mixed acuity pediatric environment, including emergency care, observation, inpatient, and intermediate care levels, and collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, social work, child protective services, and ancillary staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient & Family Support

• Provide developmentally appropriate preparation, education, and emotional support to pediatric patients and their families during emergency department visits, hospitalizations, procedures, and transitions of care.
• Utilize therapeutic and medical play, coping strategies, and normalization activities to reduce stress, fear, and trauma.
• Support children and families during invasive procedures, acute illness, injury, and resuscitation events, as appropriate.
• Assess psychosocial and developmental needs and tailor interventions based on age, diagnosis, cultural background, and family dynamics.

Procedural Support

• Offer procedural preparation and support for interventions such as IV starts, imaging, wound care, sedation, and surgical procedures.
• Collaborate with nursing and medical staff to promote trauma‑informed, family‑centered care.
• Coach patients in coping techniques (e.g., distraction, guided imagery, breathing).

Family-Centered & Trauma‑Informed Care

• Provide support and education to caregivers, including siblings of hospitalized children.
• Assist families during emotionally difficult situations such as unexpected diagnoses, critical illness, or prolonged hospital stays.
• Support bereavement and end‑of‑life situations in coordination with interdisciplinary teams as needed.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and communicate psychosocial needs to the care team.
• Collaborate with nursing, physicians, social work, case management, chaplaincy, and behavioral health services.
• Advocate for pediatric‑friendly environments and practices within the ED and inpatient units.

Simulation, Education, & Program Development

• Participate in pediatric simulation activities by assisting with realism, family role‑play, and developmental context.
• Educate staff, students, and volunteers on child development, coping strategies, and family‑centered care principles.
• Assist in developing age‑appropriate educational materials and programming for pediatric patients.

Documentation & Quality

• Document child life interventions and assessments in the electronic medical record (Epic).
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to patient experience, pediatric trauma reduction, and family satisfaction.
• Track metrics and outcomes related to child life services as requested for program evaluation or grant reporting.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a closely related field
• Completion of a Child Life Internship (minimum 480 hours) in an acute care pediatric setting
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential or eligibility to sit for the certification exam
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced Pediatric Emergency Department
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Preferred

• Master's degree in Child Life or related field
• Experience working in pediatric emergency medicine, inpatient pediatrics, or trauma settings
• Experience with simulation, trauma‑informed care, or high‑acuity pediatric patients
• ACLS/PALS or willingness to obtain per hospital policy

Physical & Emotional Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout clinical areas for extended periods
• Occasional lifting of toys, equipment, or supplies
• Emotional resilience when supporting patients and families during medical crises, trauma, or loss

Work Schedule

• Schedule may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on clinical needs
• Coverage shared between the Pediatric Emergency Department and inpatient pediatric units

Core Competencies

• Family‑centered care
• Trauma‑informed care
• Cultural sensitivity
• Crisis intervention
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Pediatric development expertise