Child Life Specialist

The Child Life Specialist promotes effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. Provides emotional support for families and encourages optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization. Provides information, support and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members. Plays a vital role in educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the needs of children under stress.Why Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans – to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic. Benefits HighlightsMedical: Multiple plan options.Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.Vision: Affordable plan with national network.Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future. Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is.Equal OpportunityAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law". Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Bachelor's degree in child development, child life, child and family studies or related field; completion of eligibility assessment by the Association for Child Life Professionals (ACLP); and successful completion of, at minimum, a 480-hour clinical child life internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist. One year of recent work experience with children and families, prefer one year of paid experience as a Child Life Specialist. Knowledge and experience to ensure understanding of the basic issues of infant/child/adolescent development and behavior. Analytical skills necessary to assess patient and family needs, to establish a plan of care and deliver appropriate interventions. Ability to represent and communicate the role of child life to others. Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively across clinical settings. Ability to work as a contributing member of the multidisciplinary team. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Technical skills to effectively complete required professional documentation and correspondence. Basic supervisory skills to oversee Child Life program volunteers. Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or granted acceptance to take next scheduled exam and attains certification within first year of employment. Maintains current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers from one of the following programs: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or the Military Network Training.Full timePosting Date: 2026-10-01