Child Life Specialist - Galveston (Casual Appointment)

Company: UTMB Health
Location: Galveston
Posted on: January 5, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description 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. Salary: Actual salary commensurate with experience. Work Schedule: Casual Appointment (Less than 19.99/week) 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.

Keywords: UTMB Health, Galveston , Child Life Specialist - Galveston (Casual Appointment), Healthcare , Galveston, Texas