Child Life Specialist, Emergency Department

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia
$34.13/hour, this position is recognized as critical to achieving our vision to be the best place to work, while transforming patient care. The pay structure is designed to attract and retain top talent while acknowledging the skill, experience, and leade
vision insurance, paid time off
United States, Virginia, Charlottesville
1215 Lee Street (Show on map)
Mar 01, 2026
We invite you to join the interdisciplinary care team at UVA Health Children's as a Child Life Specialist- where you'll find more than a job. You'll be a part of a passionate, dedicated team caring for children and families, where Child Life is essential to care delivery. This shared commitment to excellence is why UVA Health Children's is one of the nation's premier academic health systems and the #1 children's hospital in Virginia, for the fourth year in a row. A child life specialist supports the social, emotional, and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families throughout the healthcare experience. Through therapeutic play, age-appropriate education, and emotional support, child life specialists help children and adolescents understand and cope with medical procedures, hospitalization, and illness. This role promotes positive coping, reduces anxiety, and fosters resilience for both patients and their families. The child life specialist is responsible for assessing, educating, preparing, and supporting pediatric patients and families across all stages of care. Compensation for this role reflects the value UVA Health Children's places on the impact, expertise and scope of responsibility of the child life specialists. With a base pay rate of $34.13/hour, this position is recognized as critical to achieving our vision to be the best place to work, while transforming patient care. The pay structure is designed to attract and retain top talent while acknowledging the skill, experience, and leadership required to succeed in this role. Base pay rate: $34.13/hour This role offers a $5000 sign-on bonus and relocation allowance up to $5000. We have open positions in the following areas: Pediatric Emergency Department (Nights and Weekends) Pediatric Acute Care Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Pediatric ICU Recognize and address the importance of therapeutic play in helping children master and cope with health care experiences. Observe and assess the unique needs of patients and their families to provide tailored support and understanding. Prepare children and families for medical procedures. Facilitate medical play opportunities for patients and their siblings to support coping skills. Assist patients and their families in coping with new diagnosis, chronic illnesses, treatment, hospitalization, and loss. Treats children, parents, and team members with dignity and respect. Establishes relationships with team members and families that reflect the key elements of family-centered care. Functions as an effective team member working with multiple departments and volunteersto ensure that individual and collaborative assignments/responsibilities are met. Maintains records. Meets 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 required. Completion of minimum of 600-hour Child Life Internship required. Experience: None required. Licensure: Child Life Professional Certification within one year of hire required. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required. 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 - 50lbs. May be exposed to noise, blood/body fluids and infectious disease. The starting base rate for this role is $34.13 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. 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. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 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. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.