Child Life Specialist

Overview

Build a rewarding career as a Child Life Specialist at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital in beautiful Gainesville, Florida where Nature and Culture come together. Our thriving community is known for its unique blend of natural beauty, innovation, cultural energy, and recreation. UF Health is consistently ranked among the nation’s best hospitals and we are committed to excellence in healthcare. Child Life Specialists play a vital role as trusted advocates for our pediatric patients and their families, bringing expertise in child development and psychosocial support to every interaction. Our patients and our people are at the center of everything we do. Join a team that puts compassion into action. Discover your future at UF Health.

UF Health Experience & Rewards:

• Ranked Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report 
• Academic hospital and trauma center
• Accrued PTO including holidays
• Annual salary reviews
• Student loan repayment
• PSLF-eligible employer
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive healthcare/retirement plans
• Wellness programs
• Relocation assistance in-state/out-state

Responsibilities

In this role the Child Life Specialist will perform the following job duties:

• Assess and provide services in response to the identified psychosocial and developmental needs of hospitalized children and their families
• Improve or enhance psychosocial functioning of pediatric patients and families by providing opportunities for improving coping skills through therapeutic interventions

Schedule:

FTE: 1.0

Shift Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm

Days of Week: Monday-Friday

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in human service area, Child Life, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Psychology, Recreational Therapy, or related fields from an accredited institution, required
• Master's degree preferred
• Extensive knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development
• Two years of experience working with children in a healthcare setting is preferred
• Preference will be given to applicants with previous hospital experience or training, CCLS/CTRS certification

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

• Certified or certificate eligible as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) OR
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
• If certificate eligible, will attain certification within one year in order to retain position. Clinical internship in progress or internship eligible per ACLP/NCTRC guidelines will be considered. Click on the following webpage for more information: ACLP > Certification > Become Certified