Child Life Specialist - Patient Experience

Overview

Child Life Specialist - Patient Experience

Location: Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, IN
Shift: Full-Time Day
Department: Patient Experience

Join Our Team!

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of pediatric patients and their families? We are seeking compassionate, purpose-driven individuals dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and their families through challenging hospital experiences. If you’re committed to excellence and eager to serve with purpose, we want to hear from you!

Apply NOW — We can't wait to meet you!

Position Overview:

The Child Life Specialist is a vital member of the healthcare team, addressing the psychosocial and emotional needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults during their hospital stay. Responsible for supporting patients and families as they cope with illness, injury, or loss across various settings. The CLS assesses psychosocial, developmental, and cultural needs, applying developmentally appropriate interventions to educate, prepare, and support families. The role involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to promote emotionally safe, family-centered care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support patients and families in adjusting to medical experiences and hospitalization.
• Assess psychosocial, developmental, and cultural needs of patients and families.
• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate interventions to educate, prepare, and support families.
• Advocate for emotionally safe, family-centered care in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient and family experiences.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Experience:
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience.
• Certifications:
  • Enrollment in or completion of an ACLP internship.
  • Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) Certification within 1 year of hire.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.

Why Join IU Health?

As Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare system, and the #1 ranked healthcare provider in the state, we offer:

• 401(k) retirement savings with employer match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan forgiveness programs (for qualifying participants)
• Employee Assistance Program (free counseling services)
• Healthy Results wellness program, with financial incentives for participation

To learn more about our benefits, visit: IU Health Benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Indiana University Health is Indiana’s most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. Our partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our team members access to the very latest science and the very best training, advancing care for all. We’re looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. People who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day. People who are always ready to apply themselves.