Certified Child Life Specialist, Associate

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is hiring a full time Child Life Specialist to work at the main hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

Provide developmentally appropriate education and programming to optimize children’s growth, support normal living patterns, and minimize psychosocial trauma associated with healthcare. Possess knowledge of child development and the psychosocial effects of hospitalization, while demonstrating clinical competence in problem-solving and priority setting.

Responsibilities:

• Communicate developmentally appropriate explanations of medical encounters to patients and families.
• Support patients and families in understanding hospitalization and illness through preparation and debriefing.
• Offer emotional support during medical procedures using stress point coping techniques.
• Assess and document developmental and psychosocial needs to create individualized child life plans.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment.
• Provide therapeutic activities to encourage emotional expression and understanding of healthcare.
• Address death, bereavement, and loss with patients and families when appropriate.
• Collaborate with healthcare staff to communicate patient needs and development issues.
• Refer patients and families to appropriate support services as needed.
• Advocate for Family-Centered Care, helping patients and families transition between home and hospital environments.
• Supervise and assess Child Activity Coordinators; assist in training and supervising students and volunteers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Psychology or a related health care major.
• Completion (or in the process of) a 600-hour Child Life Internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist required.
• Certification required within 1 year of hire

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.86 - $36.31 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Application Question(s):

• Have you completed or in the process of completing an internship supervised by a certified child life specialist?

Ability to Commute:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15224: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $36