Child Life Specialist, Family Support Services, Wolfson Children's Hospital

About Wolfson Children’s Hospital 
Wolfson Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in the region, and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best children’s hospitals in the U.S.  We’re a part of Baptist Health, which is recognized as a top place to work in health care and features several centers of excellence, including Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baptist Heart Hospital, Baptist Neurological Institute and Wolfson Children's Hospital. 

*Eligible for Up to $5,000 Sign-On Bonus*

Baptist Health is seeking a compassionate Child Life Specialist to join our Family Support Services team at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. This full-time Child Life Specialist job offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pediatric patients and their families.  

As a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), you will provide comprehensive pediatric psychosocial support and promote coping strategies through therapeutic play, emotional support, and developmentally appropriate interventions. You will work closely with children, adolescents, and families facing hospitalization, illness, injury, and treatment. Your role is essential in reducing trauma and anxiety by facilitating medical preparation, coping plans, and collaborative, patient-centered care in alignment with Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) standards.

Child Life Specialist, Job Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized child life assessments, coping support, and procedural preparation to children and families
• Use evidence-based child development theories and play therapy techniques to meet emotional, social, and developmental needs
• Deliver pre- and post-procedural education and age-appropriate support for a wide range of medical treatments
• Facilitate therapeutic play activities, distraction techniques, and emotional safety measures during medical procedures
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary care teams to develop and implement personalized care plans
• Promote family-centered care, advocacy, and inclusion in healthcare decision-making

Experience Requirements:

• 1-2 years Child Life Experience Preferred
• Less than 1 year Child Life Internship Required

Education & Credential Requirements: 

• Bachelor of Arts/Science (BA/BS) required
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) Required within 18 months of hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required

Wolfson Children’s Hospital, part of Baptist Health, is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report and recognized as a Magnet-designated pediatric hospital. As one of the leading children’s hospitals in Florida, we deliver advanced, specialized care in areas such as pediatric oncology, cardiology, neurology, neonatology, and child psychology. Our team is dedicated to providing a supportive, healing environment where children and families feel empowered, safe, and heard.

If you are interested in this full time, Child Life Specialist opportunity, please apply today or email: jaime.gibbs@bmcjax.com

Positions designated as requiring a level II Background ( A detailed fingerprint-based screening for positions of trust that check state (FDLE) and national (FBI) criminal history) will undergo screening as a condition of employment and continued employment. For additional information, please visit Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

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