Join Cleveland Clinic and experience world-class healthcare at its best. Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital is a proud Magnet Hospital awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice. Here, you will work alongside a dedicated team of caregivers, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career. 

As a Child Life Specialist, you will work closely with patients and families while collaborating with the interdisciplinary care team, fellow Child Life Specialists, and other healthcare professionals. This highly valued role is an integral part of the multidisciplinary surgical team, helping patients prepare surgery, reducing anxiety and fear, strengthen coping skills, and enhancing the overall patient and family experience. 

This department is committed to supporting the professional growth of its Child Life Specialists through group education opportunities, continuing education, and attendance at national Child Life conferences. The team fosters a positive, collaborative work environment with open communication, strong leadership support, and a culture that encourages ongoing professional development and career advancement. 

A caregiver in this position works day/evening/night/weekend| 8:00am—8:30pm or 10:30am—11:00pm| weekend rotation.  

A caregiver who excels in this role will:  

• Assess the developmental, social, and physical needs of an assigned pediatric population and provide appropriate interventions, such as preparations and therapeutic play. 

• Assess and documents patient's developmental level, emotional state, utilizes hospitalization and procedures using informal assessment techniques throughout the hospital stay. 

• Provide education, preparation, and therapeutic intervention for medical events to help children and families cope based on developmental and emotional level. 

• Assist patients and families with relaxation techniques to decrease stress, increase coping skills, and cooperation during tests and procedures. 

• Provide diversional activities in the playroom/activity room and bedside based on individual capabilities and needs. 

• Provide education and information to enhance parental understanding of hospital system and resources. 

• Participate in psychosocial, interdisciplinary, and/or departmental team meetings and communicates developmental and psychosocial needs of children. 

• Organize and manage dedicated events, special guests, support groups and other regularly scheduled events. 

• Participate in the orientation, direction, and development of Children's Hospital volunteers. 

• Supervise Practicum/Internship students as a Certified Child Life Specialist. 

• Manage play materials, supplies, and equipment for playrooms by assuming responsibility for its cleanliness and storage; maintains inventory of both donated and purchased goods. 

• Represent the Child Life program in appropriate Children Hospital's committees. 

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Life or related field for credentialing as a Certified Child Life Specialist 

• Completed an approved Child Life Internship, minimum of 600 hours, under the direction of a Certified Child Life Specialist 

• Must have or earn professional certification (CCLS) through the Association of Child Life Professionals within a year of appointment and maintain certification throughout their employment 

• *If certification is not achieved within 1 year of hire, the caregiver is not eligible to practice 

• Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross certification (must be obtained within one year of hire) 

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Two years and 4000 hours of professional Child Life clinical experience in a hospital setting