Child Life Specialist

We invite you to join the interdisciplinary care team at UVA Health Children’s as a Child Life Specialist- where you’ll find more than a job. You’ll be a part of a passionate, dedicated team caring for children and families, where Child Life is essential to care delivery. This shared commitment to excellence is why UVA Health Children’s is one of the nation’s premier academic health systems and the #1 children’s hospital in Virginia, for the fourth year in a row.

A child life specialist supports the social, emotional, and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families throughout the healthcare experience. Through therapeutic play, age-appropriate education, and emotional support, child life specialists help children and adolescents understand and cope with medical procedures, hospitalization, and illness. This role promotes positive coping, reduces anxiety, and fosters resilience for both patients and their families. The child life specialist is responsible for assessing, educating, preparing, and supporting pediatric patients and families across all stages of care.

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.

Base pay rate for this position is $34.13/hour and comes with a $5,000 sign-on bonus as well as relocation allowance up to $5,000 for qualified applicants.

We have open positions in the following areas:

• Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

• Pediatric Outpatient Surgical Center

Job Description:

• Assess the psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and families.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advocate for the social, emotional and developmental needs of pediatric patients.

• Establish therapeutic relationships that promote positive coping, normalize the healthcare environment, and embody the principals of patient-and family- centered care.  

• Implement individualized care plans and interventions utilizing play, preparation, procedural support, and education.

• Provide developmentally appropriate education and coping strategies across diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, and bereavement.

• Facilitate medical play for patients and siblings.

• Support families during trauma, crisis, and end-of-life situations

• Maintain accurate documentation

• Participate in departmental quality initiatives

• Meet annual training requirements

• Precept as needed

• Eligible for student shadowing

• May supervise practicum students at leadership discretion

• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree 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.