Hospice Child Life Specialist (PRN)

Bristol Hospice is a nationwide industry leader committed to providing a family-centered approach in the delivery of hospice services throughout our communities. We are dedicated to our mission that all patients and families entrusted to our care will be treated with the highest level of compassion, respect, and dignity. For more information about Bristol Hospice, visit bristolhospice.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Our Culture

Our culture is cultivated using the following values:

• Integrity: We are honest and professional.
• Trust: We count on each other.
• Excellence: We strive to always do our best and look for ways to improve and excel.
• Accountability: We accept responsibility for our actions, attitudes, and mistakes.
• Mutual Respect: We treat others the way we want to be treated.

We Got the Perks

• Tuition Reimbursement
• PTO and Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and more
• HSA & 401(k) available
• Mileage Reimbursement for applicable positions
• Advanced training programs
• Passionate company culture committed to the highest standard of care in the hospice industry

Job Summary

The Child Life Specialist provides therapeutic support to pediatric patients and to children of adult hospice patients. This role is responsible for delivering age-appropriate emotional, social, and developmental interventions to help children cope with terminal illness, anticipatory grief, loss, and bereavement. The Child Life Specialist collaborates with the interdisciplinary hospice team to support patients and families in accordance with hospice philosophy, regulatory requirements, and standards of care.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Assess the emotional, developmental, and psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and children impacted by a loved one's terminal illness.
• Develop and implement individualized therapeutic interventions to support coping, communication, grief processing, and bereavement.
• Utilize age-appropriate play, expressive arts, therapeutic activities, and educational tools to address the unique needs of children and families.
• Provide guidance to parents, caregivers, and hospice team members on child development, grief responses, and effective communication strategies.
• Facilitate support groups, educational sessions, and family-centered activities as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, holistic care for patients and families.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in bereavement and community outreach initiatives as assigned.
• Comply with all organizational policies, hospice regulations, and privacy standards.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field required.
• Certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) preferred, or eligibility to obtain certification within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with children in a healthcare, hospice, palliative care, or related setting.
• Grief support, bereavement, or palliative care training preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, communication, counseling, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to assess developmental and psychosocial needs of children experiencing illness, loss, or crisis.
• Knowledge of child development, grief and bereavement processes, trauma-informed care, and family systems.
• Ability to work independently in patient homes, facilities, and community settings.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and competence when working with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records and other digital documentation systems.

Other Requirements

• Flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Current driver's license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance in accordance with company and state requirements.
• Ability and willingness to travel within assigned service areas.
• Must successfully complete required background check and drug screening.

Work Environment

• Works in patients' homes, healthcare facilities, community settings, and office environments.
• Regular interaction with patients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Exposure to emotionally sensitive situations involving terminal illness, death, grief, and bereavement.
• Must maintain compliance with company policies, hospice regulations, and confidentiality requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Ability to hear, speak, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff.
• Ability to travel between patient locations and hospice offices.
• Must be able to work in emotionally intense environments while maintaining professionalism and compassion.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with this position. Bristol Hospice reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as business needs require.

Bristol Hospice is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.

Salary : $32