Child Life Specialist

Child Life Specialist

At UVA Health Children's, Child Life Specialists play a vital role in helping children and adolescents understand, cope with, and navigate the challenges of illness, hospitalization, and medical procedures. This is meaningful, highly skilled work,supporting patients and families at moments that matter most and ensuring emotional care is integrated into every clinical experience.

Acareer definingopportunity in pediatric care

This is more than a Child Life position. It is an opportunity to practice at the top of your training within one of the nation's premier academic health systems. At UVA Health Children's, Child Life Specialists are respected clinical partners whoseexpertisedirectly contributes to resilience, reduced anxiety, and positive coping outcomes for pediatric patients and their families. If you have completed your Child Life coursework and internship and are ready to grow your career in a collaborative,high acuitypediatric environment, UVA Health offers the support, scope, and purposeto doyour best work.

Current openings are available in:

• Pediatric Emergency Department (IncludingNights and Weekends)

• Pediatric Acute Care

• Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

The Role

The Child Life Specialistis responsible forassessing, educating, preparing, and supporting pediatric patients and families throughout the healthcare experience. This role focuses on promoting emotionalwellbeing, fostering coping and resilience, and minimizing the stress and anxiety associated with illness, injury, and hospitalization.

In this role, you will:

• Assess developmental, psychosocial, and emotional needs of pediatric patients and families

• Prepare children and adolescents for medical procedures using developmentallyappropriate educationand therapeutic play

• Provide procedural and emotional support before, during, and after medical interventions

• Support families during times of uncertainty, crisis, and adjustment

• Collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, and interdisciplinary care teams

• Adapt interventions to meet the needs of diverse patient populations across varying levels of acuity

An average day may include bedside support, procedural preparation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and family education-often infast paced, emotionally complex environments where your presence makes a measurable difference.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health Children's is consistently recognized as the #1 Children's Hospital in Virginia , reflecting a deep commitment to pediatric excellence, academic medicine, and compassionate,family centeredcare. Located within UVA Medical Center, UVA Health Children's offers advanced specialty and surgical services, a Level I Trauma Center, a Level IV NICU, and a Pediatric ICU-providing Child Life Specialists with broad clinical exposure and meaningful professional growth opportunities.

As part of UVA Health,you'lljoin a nationally recognized academic health system known for innovation, collaboration, and Magnetrecognized nursing excellence. Child Life Specialists are valued members of the care team, supported by leadership that understands the critical role of psychosocial care in pediatric outcomes.

Relocationassistancemay be available for qualified candidates.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life, blendingsmall citycharm withbig universityenergy. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area is known for its outdoor recreation, vibrant arts and music scene,award-winningfood and wineries, andstrongsense of community. With a lower cost of living than many academic medical hubs and easy access to hiking, biking, and cultural events, Charlottesville is a place where healthcare professionals can truly balance career fulfillment with personalwellbeing.

Compensation for this role reflects the high value UVA Health Children's places on its impact, expertise and scope of responsibility. With a base pay rate of $34.13/hour, this position is recognized as critical to achieving our vision to be the best place to work, while transforming patient care. The salary is paired with a formal clinical ladder designed to support professional growth and advancement. Clear advancement pathways allow employees to expand their skills, leadership, and career trajectory.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree required, preferably in child life, child development or a related field.

• Successful completion of a minimum 600-hour Child Life Clinical Internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.

• Child Life Professional Certification required within one year of hire.

• American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS Certification required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to noise, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings

• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts

• Certification and education support

• Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .