Child Life Specialist

Cleveland Clinic

Child Life Specialist supporting pediatric patients through preparation, therapeutic play, and coping interventions. Floating between Cleveland Clinic’s Hillcrest and Fairview hospitals.

Posted 8/21/2026full-timeCleveland • Ohio • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in pediatric patient assessment, therapeutic interventions, and family education, while effectively managing play materials and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration. Holds relevant certifications and possesses the ability to work in high-stress environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)Child Life InternshipPediatric Patient AssessmentTherapeutic PlayBasic Life Support (BLS)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Patient AssessmentTherapeutic InterventionsDevelopmental Level DocumentationRelaxation TechniquesEvent ManagementVolunteer SupervisionInventory ManagementChild Life Program Representation

Soft Skills

CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsStress ManagementTeam Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)Basic Life Support (BLS)

Industry Keywords

Pediatric CareChild DevelopmentHospital SystemPsychosocial NeedsInterdisciplinary Meetings

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assess developmental, social, and physical needs of assigned pediatric patients and provide appropriate interventions, including preparation and therapeutic play
Assess and document patients' developmental level and emotional state throughout hospitalization and procedures
Provide education, preparation, and therapeutic interventions for medical events
Assist patients and families with relaxation techniques to reduce stress and improve coping and cooperation
Provide diversional activities in playrooms, activity rooms, and at bedside
Educate families about the hospital system and available resources
Participate in psychosocial, interdisciplinary, and departmental meetings
Communicate children's developmental and psychosocial needs to care teams
Organize and manage dedicated events, special guests, support groups, and regularly scheduled events
Orient, direct, and develop Children's Hospital volunteers
Supervise practicum/internship students as a Certified Child Life Specialist
Manage play materials, supplies, equipment, cleanliness, storage, and inventory
Represent the Child Life program on appropriate Children's Hospital committees
Float between Hillcrest and Fairview hospitals and may assist at a FHC

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in Child Life or child development related field
Must have completed an approved Child Life Internship of at least 600 hours, directed by a Certified Child Life Specialist
Must have or earn professional certification (CCLS) through the Child Life Council within a year of appointment and maintain certification throughout employment
Must sit for the CCLS exam at least annually until certification is obtained
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within one year of hire
Ability to work day/evening rotation and irregular hours
Ability to handle and lift patients and perform medium physical work
Ability to work under stressful conditions and exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids
Must use personal protective equipment as required
Preferred: Two years and 4000 hours of professional Child Life clinical experience in a hospital setting

Benefits

Comp & perks

Group education opportunities
Attendance at national child-life conferences
Professional development support and encouragement
Supportive leadership and appreciation
Equal employment opportunity
Drug-free work environment
Annual influenza vaccination program or approved exemption