Child Life Specialist

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What Awaits You:

• Opportunities for Career Growth - Build a meaningful career with access to professional development, mentorship, and advancement pathways.
• Collaborative and Inclusive Environment - Work alongside a diverse team of professionals who value mutual respect, innovation, and teamwork.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package - Take advantage of a competitive and affordable benefits program that supports your health, financial security, and overall well-being.

Position Summary

The Child Life Specialist provides developmentally and psychosocially appropriate assessments and interventions for infants, children, youth, and their families to support effective coping with healthcare experiences. This includes planning and implementing therapeutic play, preparation, and education that promote emotional well-being and cognitive development. The specialist collaborates closely with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to enhance the quality of patient care through documentation, communication, and participation in care planning. Additionally, this role involves supervising child life volunteers and mentoring practicum and internship students. The Child Life Specialist also serves as an advocate and resource on child development and coping strategies related to medical diagnosis and treatment within their assigned clinical area.

Competencies

A. Education

• Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Child Life, or a closely related field.
• Completion of a 600-hour Child Life internship under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.

B. Knowledge

• Strong foundation in child development theory, play, stress and coping, family systems, and patient- and family-centered care.
• Proficient in therapeutic play, psychological preparation, and the delivery of coping strategies during medical experiences.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology and its relevance, gained through academic training and clinical internship.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and their application in child life practice.
• Familiarity with the Association of Child Life Professionals' Code of Ethics.
• General understanding of hospital and departmental policies, typically acquired through 1-3 months of on-the-job training.

C. Skills

• Ability to assess and support the psychosocial and developmental needs of patients and families.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and support families.

D. Licensure/Certification

• Certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) through the Association of Child Life Professionals must be obtained within the first year of employment.

E. Work Experience

• Successful completion of a 600-hour clinical internship in Child Life.

Salary Range: Minimum $23.00/hour - Maximum $37.97/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility.

In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.

JHM prioritizes the health and well-being of every employee. Come be healthy at Hopkins!

Diversity and Inclusion are Johns Hopkins Medicine Core Values. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.