Child Life Specialist

Thanks for your interest in Children's Mercy!

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children’s Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children’s Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City – a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children’s health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

Overview

This position assesses and provides services in response to the identified psychosocial and developmental needs of children and their families. This position provides education and coping support to children and families to reduce the stress and anxiety accompanying hospitalization and other aspects of healthcare. Responsible for training and working with Patient Activity Coordinators, Project Rise Hospitality Assistants, foster grandparents and volunteers in assigned areas. Responsible for facilitating an accredited Child Life Internship Program, a Child Life Practicum Program, and providing educational experiences for other health care professionals and learners. Responsible for completing other duties as assigned.

This position qualifies for our Weekend Option Program that offers additional pay. This program is a one-year commitment.

At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Services and Intervention: Generate positive behavioral, psychological, and physiological outcomes through individualized interventions with pediatric patients throughout diagnosis, treatment, transitions of care, loss, grief, and/or bereavement.

• Assessment and Treatment Planning: Assess and prioritize children and families and develop comprehensive plans of care based on psychosocial risk and need.

• Practice Management: Represent, communicate, and teach child life services appropriately to other professionals, volunteers, students, and the community; work collaboratively with all parties as needed to achieve optimal outcomes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Required and 1-2 years experience preferred

• Masters Degree Preferred

• Employees must obtain Certified Child Life Specialist within 365 days

• Infant Massage Instructor Certification Preferred

• Recreational Therapy Certification Preferred

Benefits at Children's Mercy

The benefits plans at Children’s Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Learn more about Children’s Mercy benefits. (

Starting Pay

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $22.13/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

Remote Work/Work from Home

This position is not eligible to work remotely, which means that the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of our Children’s Mercy locations and may not work from home.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet

Children’s Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children’s Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.

Need help finding the right job?

We can recommend jobs specifically for you! Learn about Children’s Mercy Benefits (

Software Powered by ICIMS

Requisition ID2026-36618

Requisition Post Information* : Posted Date4 weeks ago(7/1/2026 11:25 AM)

Posting CategoryAllied Health

DivisionCHILDLIFE (PAT-ACTIV)

Work TypeWeekend Option FT

Work DaysThursday-Sunday

Work HoursTh-F 4:30pm-11:00pm, S-S 12:30pm-11pm

FLSA StatusNon-Exempt

Location : NameKansas Campus

Recruiter : Full Name: First LastEmelia Hailey

Recruiter : View email address on click.appcast.io