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Posted: 14-Oct-25
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Sector:
Internal Number: R0075705
Join our children’s care team at one of the nation’s premier academic health systems and the number one children’s hospital in Virginia for the fourth year in a row.
Be part of the next-generation care happening at UVA Health Children’s — a nationally recognized pediatric academic center where you will find more than a job; you will find a dedicated team passionate about caring for children and families.
The exceptional attention our Magnet®-designated nurses and care teams provide at UVA Health Children’s has earned us the distinction of being U.S. News & World Report’s number one children’s hospital in Virginia for two consecutive years. Our shared commitment to providing extraordinary care for our young patients and their families extends across our various clinical settings, including:
- Pediatric and primary care offices located throughout Charlottesville and surrounding communities
- The Battle Building, a state-of-the-art, child-centric ambulatory care center that is home to pediatric specialties ranging from cardiology to rehabilitation, as well as women’s health and outpatient surgery
- UVA Health Children’s, an academic-focused children’s hospital located within UVA Medical Center that features advanced specialty and surgical care services, a level 1 trauma center, a neonatal intensive care unit for infants, and a pediatric intensive care unit for children younger than 18
A child life specialist supports the social, emotional, and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families throughout their healthcare experience. Child life specialists help children and adolescents understand and cope with medical procedures, hospitalization, and illness by providing therapeutic play, age-appropriate education, and emotional support. This role fosters resilience, reduces anxiety, and promotes positive coping for pediatric patients and their families.
The child life specialist is responsible for assessing, educating, preparing, and supporting pediatric patients and families during their healthcare experience.
We have open positions in:
- Pediatric emergency department (nights and weekends)
- Pediatric acute care
- Pediatric hematology/oncology
Starting salary: $24.52/hour
- Assess the psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and families.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advocate for the social, emotional, and developmental needs of pediatric patients.
- Establish supportive relationships with pediatric patients and their families during hospital stays that promote positive coping, normalize the healthcare environment, and embody the principles of patient- and family-centered care.
- Develop and implement individualized care plans and interventions using play, education, preparation, and support.
- Provide support to children with chronic illnesses and their families by providing developmentally appropriate education, promoting coping strategies, and fostering resilience throughout the course of diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, and loss.
- Facilitate medical play for patients and their siblings.
- Support families during critical incidents, trauma, or end of life.
- Maintain accurate documentation and participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives.
- Meet training requirements on an annual basis.
- In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, or a related field
- Completion of a minimum of 600-hour clinical internship under the direct supervision of a certified child life specialist
- Licensure: child life professional certification within one year of hire required. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.
Apply online:
Physical Demands
Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills; attention to detail and ability to write legibly; ability to lift/push/pull 20–50 pounds. May be exposed to noise, blood/body fluids, and infectious disease.
Position compensation range: $18.74–$37.48 hourly
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package: medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off, long-term and short-term disability, retirement savings
- Health saving plans and flexible spending accounts
- Certification and education support
- Generous paid time off
UVA Health is a world-class Magnet-recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. The 2023–2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “high performing” in five adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by the 2023–2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children’s hospital in Virginia with nine specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses three community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.