Child Life Specialist - Inpatient/PICU

Join Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world class and caregivers are family. Here, you will work alongside a passionate and dedicated team, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world. As a Child Life Specialist, you will function as a member of the healthcare team and support pediatric and adult patients, as well as their family members, in adjusting to healthcare experiences, illness, injury and loss across critical care, acute and ambulatory healthcare settings. Using a strengths-based approach, you will assess developmental, psychosocial, emotional and cultural needs while providing developmentally appropriate education related to medical procedures and diagnoses, non-pharmacological pain management, therapeutic play and emotional and bereavement support for patients and families. With support from Child Life peers, you will orient and train Child Life students and volunteers, provide interdisciplinary education related to the psychosocial and developmental needs of patients and families, and participate in patient-related programming and events.A caregiver in this role works day/evening/night/weekend| 7:00am - 3:30pm or 8:30am - 5:00pm.A caregiver who excels in this role will:Assess the developmental, social, and physical needs of an assigned pediatric population and provide appropriate interventions, such as preparations and therapeutic play. Assess and document patient's developmental level, emotional state, utilizes hospitalization and procedures using informal assessment techniques throughout the hospital stay. Provide education, preparation, and therapeutic intervention for medical events to help children and families cope based on developmental and emotional level. Assist patients and families with relaxation techniques to decrease stress, increase coping skills, and cooperation during tests and procedures. Provide diversional activities in the playroom/activity room and bedside based on individual capabilities and needs. Provide education and information to enhance parental understanding of hospital systems and resources. Participate in psychosocial, interdisciplinary, and/or departmental team meetings and communicates developmental and psychosocial needs of children. Organize and manage dedicated events, special guests, support groups and other regularly scheduled events. Participate in the orientation, direction, and development of Children's Hospital volunteers. Supervise Practicum/Internship students as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Manage play materials, supplies, and equipment for playrooms by assuming responsibility for its cleanliness and storage; maintains inventory of both donated and purchased goods. Represent the Child Life program in appropriate Children Hospital's committees. Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:Bachelor's Degree in Child Life or child development related field Must have completed an approved Child Life Internship, at least 600 hours, directed by a Certified Child Life Specialist Child life specialists must have or earn professional certification (CCLS) through the Child Life Council within a year of appointment and maintain certification throughout their employment Must sit for exam at least annually until certification obtained An extension may be granted by Child Life Manager under appropriate circumstances Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross within one year of hire Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include: Two years and 4000 hours of professional Child Life clinical experience in a hospital setting Physical Requirements:Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patient, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination.Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time.Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.Requires working under stressful conditions and irregular hours. Exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.Personal Protective Equipment:Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required for procedures.Pay RangeMinimum hourly: $18.88Maximum hourly: $28.80The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).Job ID: 340204Employment Type: 8:30am-5:00pm/7:00am-3:30pmJob Area: Allied HealthPosted Date: 27/07/2026