Child Life Specialist

At WakeMed, our mission is to improve the health and well-being of our community and we do it by delivering outstanding, compassionate care.

We are hiring a Child Life Specialist to support pediatric patients and their families throughout their healthcare journey. In this role, you will assess the psychosocial, developmental, and cognitive needs of children while providing education, coping support, therapeutic activities, and developmental care. You will work closely with interdisciplinary team members, patients, families, students, volunteers, and community partners to create a positive and supportive hospital experience.

What you'll do

• Assess the psychosocial, developmental, and cognitive needs of pediatric patients and develop appropriate child life interventions.
• Provide preparation, education, coping support, alternative focus activities, and developmental care to help children and families navigate medical experiences.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support patient and family-centered care.
• Serve as a resource and mentor for child life students and volunteers while contributing to departmental initiatives, educational materials, and community outreach programs.
• Coordinate special visitors, in-kind donations, and other activities that enhance the pediatric patient experience.

Who you are

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or able to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• Experienced in supporting the developmental, emotional, and psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and families.
• Skilled at building collaborative relationships with interdisciplinary teams, patients, families, students, and volunteers.
• Strong communicator with the ability to develop educational resources and provide guidance in a clinical setting.
• Committed to compassionate, family-centered care and continuous professional growth.

If you are passionate about supporting children and families during healthcare experiences and meet the qualifications for this role, we encourage you to apply and join the WakeMed team.