Certified Child Life Specialist

VCU Health

. Deliver developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed psychosocial care to pediatric patients, siblings, and families .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeRichmond • Virginia • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $25 - $39 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in delivering trauma-informed psychosocial care to pediatric patients and families, with a strong focus on individualized assessments, care planning, and emotional support. Proficient in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and advocating for patient- and family-centered care while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST)CPR CertificationPediatric Patient Care ExperienceTrauma-Informed Care

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Individualized AssessmentsCare Plan DevelopmentCrisis SupportTherapeutic Play FacilitationDocumentation of Clinical InteractionsData CollectionQuality Improvement InitiativesPatient AdvocacyEmotional Support ProvisionActivity Planning

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationEmpathyMentorshipAdaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST)CPR Certification

Industry Keywords

Pediatric CareTrauma-Informed CareChild LifeDevelopmentally Appropriate CareInterdisciplinary Team CollaborationHospital Setting ExperiencePatient-Centered CareInfection Control PoliciesUniversal PrecautionsCoping Strategies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Deliver developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed psychosocial care to pediatric patients, siblings, and families
Conduct individualized assessments and develop and implement care plans
Facilitate therapeutic play, coping strategies, preparation, procedural support, and relaxation techniques
Provide crisis, bereavement, end-of-life, post-procedural, and debriefing support
Educate children and families about diagnoses, procedures, and hospital experiences
Facilitate playroom and bedside activities and maintain safe, inclusive, developmentally appropriate play environments
Provide emotional support and guidance to caregivers and siblings
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and advocate for patient- and family-centered care
Plan and implement hospital-wide celebrations and support programming in the Child Life Zone and other therapeutic spaces
Document clinical interactions, maintain service statistics, and support departmental data collection
Participate in meetings, committees, quality improvement initiatives, supervision, peer review, and reflective practice
Assist with orientation and mentorship of students, volunteers, interns, and practicum students
Maintain supplies, donations, and activity materials
Independently manage daily caseload, prioritize patient needs, and provide direct clinical services
Perform other duties as assigned and contribute to departmental and institutional goals

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Life, or a field directly related to children and families from an accredited program
Completion of a Child Life Internship endorsed by the Child Life Council
Must obtain Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential within 12 months of hire
Must obtain Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) certification within 12 months of hire
Must obtain CPR certification within 12 months of hire
Experience in a hospital setting working with pediatric patients and families is preferred
Ability to provide equitable care appropriate to patients’ ages and developmental needs
Ability to work with neonates, infants, pediatric patients, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients
Ability to perform shift work and meet physical requirements including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, squatting, balancing, bending, walking, standing, and maneuvering patient weight
Ability to handle high-stress, fast-paced conditions, multiple priorities, frequent interruptions, and intense customer interactions
Ability to use universal precautions and personal protective equipment and follow infection-control policies

Benefits

Comp & perks

Professional development and continuing education
Supervision, peer review, and reflective practice
Orientation and mentorship opportunities for students and volunteers
Some evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be required