New

Child Life Specialist

University of California - San Francisco
40.63-54.92
United States, California, San Francisco
1 Daniel Burnham Court (Show on map)
Apr 07, 2026
The Child Life Specialist I, in collaboration with members of the health care team, promotes optimum growth and development of pediatric patients and their families by creating a therapeutic environment which minimizes psychological trauma and promotes mastery of health care experiences. Provides opportunities for expression of feelings through individual and group therapeutic play. Plans interventions in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team. Provides developmentally appropriate education for children and adolescents prior to medical procedures with materials and language that are age appropriate. Coordinates programming and special events for pediatric patients and their families in Child Life programming spaces. Provides orientation and supervision for Child Life interns and volunteers. Works under the supervision of the Child Life Manager. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Life, Child Development or a related field, Master's Degree preferred. Child Life internship under the supervision of a certified Child Life Specialist (600 hours) in a pediatric hospital setting and Proof of eligibility for Child Life certification is required, certification preferred. Must be certified within 6 months of hire. Must complete CLS I competencies within 6 months of hire: These include: Environment of Care (Programming) Assessment - Child Development and Family Systems Age Specific Interventions Preparation for Medical Treatments and Procedures Procedural Support and Coping Therapeutic Play Documentation and Charting Trauma-informed care and cultural reflexivity Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree preferred. One year of paid experience preferred, but not required. License/Certifications Proof of eligibility for Child Life certification is required, certification preferred. Must be certified within 6 months of hire. About UCSF The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells. Pride Values UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values. In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here. Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Salary Information The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Life, Child Development or a related field, Master's Degree preferred. Child Life internship under the supervision of a certified Child Life Specialist (600 hours) in a pediatric hospital setting and Proof of eligibility for Child Life certification is required, certification preferred. Must be certified within 6 months of hire. Must complete CLS I competencies within 6 months of hire: These include: Environment of Care (Programming) Assessment - Child Development and Family Systems Age Specific Interventions Preparation for Medical Treatments and Procedures Procedural Support and Coping Therapeutic Play Documentation and Charting Trauma-informed care and cultural reflexivity Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree preferred. One year of paid experience preferred, but not required. License/Certifications Proof of eligibility for Child Life certification is required, certification preferred. Must be certified within 6 months of hire.