Job Title: Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
Location: Fort Pierce, FL
Job Type: Full-Time (Permanent)
Shift & Schedule: Days | Rotating Weekends
Pay Rate: $20.35–$28.49/hr (Based on Years of Experience)
Position Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) to support pediatric patients and their families in a hospital setting. The specialist will assess developmental and emotional needs, prepare children for medical procedures, and provide therapeutic support to reduce stress and trauma.
Key Responsibilities
Assess pediatric patients' developmental abilities, coping mechanisms, and emotional adjustment to the hospital environment to formulate individualized therapeutic plans of care.
Interpret behavioral and developmental data and continuously evaluate patient responses to medical interventions and psychosocial support.
Apply evidence-based therapeutic techniques, medical play, and age-appropriate education to prepare children for treatments, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures to reduce fear, stress, and trauma.
Cultivate a healing, therapeutic environment by collaborating closely with patients, parents, siblings, and family support groups.
Research and integrate current evidence-based trends and best practices regarding pediatric psychosocial care in acute hospital settings.
Serve as a clinical subject-matter resource across Pediatric Inpatient, Pediatric Emergency, Surgical Services, and ancillary units.
Utilize medical terminology accurately and consistently in clinical documentation and interdisciplinary care conferences.
Uphold facility Standards of Performance and ICARE values across all patient, family, and colleague interactions.
Required Qualifications
Active Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential issued by the Association of Child Life Professionals / Child Life Council.
Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).
Minimum 1 year of clinical Child Life Specialist experience required; acute care pediatric or hospital setting preferred.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Family Studies, or a closely related field meeting ACLP eligibility standards.
Benefits & Total Rewards
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, telemedicine access, and employee wellness programs.
Financial & Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and life/disability insurance options.
Career & Education: Tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance programs, paid certification maintenance/CEU support, and internal career advancement pathways.
Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), paid family leave, daytime scheduling with rotating weekend coverage, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).