Child Life Specialist - Galveston

Education & Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Early Childhood Education, Recreational Therapy, or related field
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in a healthcare setting
  
  

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required:

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or ability to obtain within one year of hire
  
  

Job Description

Function: To provide evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children and youth (Association of Child Life Professionals, 2018)

Essential Job Functions

• Commitments to Child Life philosophies, policies and guidelines in supporting and planning programs for families of chronically ill and hospitalized children.
• Assess and prioritize patient/family needs for child life intervention.
• Support patients and family members in coping with the stresses associated with the health care experience.
• Provide opportunities for and facilitate a variety of group and individual play recreation and activities that promote development, self-expression, and mastery.
• Evaluate emotional, social, mental and physical condition of referred patients utilizing therapeutic interventions and assessments.
• Support family-centered care through communication and involvement of parents and other family members.
• Provide education regarding illness/condition, treatment, and coping techniques to patients, family members, and the larger community as appropriate.
• Function and consult as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, integrating goals and plans to promote optimal patient care that is family-centered, developmentally appropriate, and psychosocially sound.
• Plan, implement and document treatment plans/outcomes for patients.
• Maintain equipment and supplies.
• Plan and implement additional Child Life activities e.g. special events, patient/family workshops.
• Interface with donors, community groups and others vital to the continued growth of Child Life and UTMB Health System programs and visions.
• Orient and supervise volunteers.
• Provide education and in-service training regarding Child Life Services to patients, families, medical staff of various disciplines, and students.
• Participate in professional development to enhance job performance and contribute to the accomplishment of Child Life department and UTMB hospital missions and goals.
• Commitment to team planning, problem solving and collaborative efforts. Strong interpersonal communication and listening skills.
• Adheres to Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) Core Competencies and Professional Standards of Practice.
  
  

Marginal or Periodic Functions:

Program Development and Leadership (Advanced Level CLS)

• Provides direct oversight, coordination, and management of the Child Life Program.
• Planning and development of programs to enhance the pediatric experience.
• Designs programs and directs activities to help children cope with hospitalization, reduce anxiety about treatment, and foster academic development according the Association of Child Life Professionals.
• Identification and advocacy to provide necessary program resources.
• Participation in the budget process and business planning, as needed, to ensure program continuity and funding.
• Community outreach demonstrating program leadership with clinics, local pediatric institutions, and educational programs as indicated.
• Communication with vendors, community groups, and donors to facilitate products (books, toys, educational needs, etc.) for UTMB pediatric patients.
• Develops and implements constructive approaches to problem identification and solutions.
• Performs related duties as required.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Ability to interact with seriously ill children of all developmental levels, their siblings, parents and other extended family members.
• Ability to assess situations with patients and families as they relate to specific needs for Child Life intervention (medical play, coping skills, etc.).
• Ability to function well in multidisciplinary team settings.
• Understanding of growth & development, family dynamics, learning theory, medical play, therapeutic play and activity programming.
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Primary Location

United States-Texas-Galveston

Work Locations

0165 - John Sealy Annex

Job

Patient Care

Organization

UTMB Health

Regular

Shift

Standard

Employee Status

Non-Manager

Job Level

Day Shift

Job Posting

Sep 27, 2025, 2:48:51 AM