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Child Life Specialist - Certified

Job in Morgantown, Monongalia County, West Virginia, 26501, USA
Listing for: West Virginia University Hospital, Inc
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-02-01
Job specializations:
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare Nursing, Community Health
Salary/Wage Range or Industry Benchmark: 60000 USD Yearly USD 60000.00 YEAR
Job Description & How to Apply Below

Welcome! We're excited you're considering an opportunity with us! To apply to this position and be considered, click the Apply button located above this message and complete the application in full. Below, you'll find other important information about this position.

This position will meet all the core competencies set forth by the Child Life Council and use these as a guide for practice. It assesses the emotional, developmental, educational, and diversionary needs of hospitalized children and coordinates therapeutic interventions to address medical, procedural, surgical, and diagnostic experiences of patients and families. The role involves planning and implementing programs and services for assigned clinical populations and promoting high-quality, family-centered care.

MINIMUM

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

  • Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Child Life, Psychology, or related field.
  • Child Life Certification.
  • Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree in Child Life Development, Child Life, Psychology, or related field (preferred).
  • Professional child life experience in a hospital setting (strongly preferred).
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by assigned personnel. They are not all-inclusive; other duties may be assigned.

  • Prepare and execute individualized therapeutic care plans promoting healthy coping.
  • Apply child life interventions such as legacy building, needle play, medical play, diagnostic teaching, treatment compliance, death, and bereavement.
  • Make developmentally appropriate preparations for medical experiences to encourage expression of feelings and coping mechanisms.
  • Accompany children during procedures and surgeries to incorporate coping strategies and diversion techniques.
  • Select therapeutic activities and materials that foster growth.
  • Create and facilitate playroom programs, enhancing expressive opportunities and peer relationships.
  • Assess behaviors and modify care plans accordingly.
  • Coordinate normalization activities like celebrations and recreational events.
  • Assess educational needs related to illness, visitation, and support.
  • Communicate with patients and families to support healthcare goals and align with family values.
  • Advocate for parental involvement in caregiving roles.
  • Utilize research to accommodate cultural, environmental, and language needs.
  • Participate in studies to advance the Child Life profession and educational mission.
  • Serve as a resource for outreach and education, including speaking engagements.
  • Contribute skills to children's camps and collect statistical data.
  • Evaluate departmental activities and recommend improvements.
  • Manage program expenditures within budget.
  • Maintain professional affiliations and networks.
  • Participate in training, meetings, and hospital committees.
  • Provide guidance to interns, volunteers, and practicum students.
  • Collaborate with the medical team and coordinate therapeutic plans.
  • PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    Includes strength and stamina for lifting, moving, and working with biohazards and infectious diseases, often in irregular hours.

    WORKING ENVIRONMENT

    Work may involve biohazards, infectious diseases, working near deceased individuals, and electrical hazards.

    SKILLS AND ABILITIES
    • Implement therapeutic play activities.
    • Assess patient behavior and possess knowledge of child development.
    • Strong organizational skills, creativity, and ability to work independently.
    • Proficiency in basic computer programs.

    Additional Job Details:

    • Scheduled Weekly

      Hours:

      40
    • Shift: Exempt

    Company: WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals

    Cost Center: 4405 WVUH CH Pediatrics Performance Excellence

    Address: 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    WVUHS is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics under applicable laws.

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