Child Life Specialist, Associate

Quick Apply

Hours: This position primarily works Daylight Hours, Monday through Friday. 1 holiday and 3 Saturdays per year are also required.

Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary withing the Child Life Specialist Career ladder, based on their individual experience and education.

A Child Life Specialist is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate education, preparation and programming which optimizes growth and development of children, supports and maintains normal living patterns and minimizes psychosocial trauma associated with healthcare experiences. They possess a theoretical knowledge base of normal child development and the psychosocial effects of hospitalization and illness on children and families.

Primary Responsibilities:

Provide developmentally appropriate preparation, explanations and emotional support for medical procedures, hospitalization and transitions.
Assess developmental and psychosocial needs, document findings and implement individualized child life care plans.
Facilitate therapeutic play and activities that promote coping, emotional expression and understanding of healthcare experiences.
Communicate patient needs and child development considerations to the healthcare team through rounds, documentation and care conferences.
Support families through bereavement, loss and difficult conversations, and connect them with appropriate services and resources.
Build rapport with patients and families, orient them to the hospital environment and support healthy family and peer relationships.

Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Psychology or a related health care major.
Completion of a 600-hour Child Life Internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.
- This reflects eligibility requirements to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification Examination with the Child Life Council, Inc., Bethesda, MD

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

Certified Child Life Counsel Certification (CCLS) required within 1 year of hire
CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Act 31 / Act 33 / Act 34 / Act 73 with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Apply Here

5 Questions You Should Ask During the Interview

Here are 5 questions we think you could ask during your interview. Use them as a guide to help you write your own questions.

Remember: Always have at least 5 questions prepared for the interview. If you do not, you run the risk of looking unprepared.

What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?

Why ask this? You want to ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations before accepting the role. Knowing how success is measured helps you hit the ground running and avoid surprises about performance evaluations. It also signals to the employer that you're results-driven.

Can you describe the team dynamic and the company culture?

Why ask this? Skills and experience matter, but if the work environment isn’t a good fit, you won’t be happy or productive. This question helps you gauge whether the company values collaboration, how teams interact, and whether the culture aligns with your work style and values.

What are the biggest challenges facing the person in this role right now?

Why ask this? Every job has challenges, and it’s better to know them upfront. This helps you assess whether the role is a good fit for your strengths and whether the company is realistic about its expectations. If they hesitate to answer, it could be a red flag.

How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being??

Why ask this? Burnout is real, and some companies expect employees to sacrifice personal time for the job. By asking this, you’ll get a sense of how they value work-life balance, flexibility, and well-being—things that are crucial for job satisfaction and long-term success.

These questions help you make an informed decision while also showing your professionalism and strategic thinking!

Quick Apply