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Specialist, Child Life

Primary Location Washington D.C., District of Columbia Facility Name Capitol Hill Medical Center Schedule Full-time Shift Day Salary $60200 - $77880 / year
Job Number 1383495 Date posted 09/19/2025
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Job Summary:

To provide children with age-appropriate preparation for medical procedures, pain management and coping strategies, and play and self-expression activities and to provide information, support, and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members.

Essential Responsibilities:


  • Provides appropriate play activities for the ambulatory pediatric patient which assists in coping with their illness.

  • Assists children in the development of coping strategies through play, recreation, and art.

  • In conjunction with other health care team members, identifies current patient needs and develops care plan goals.

  • Develops and implements in-service training to staff in the field of child life.

  • Collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, social workers, and other representatives from pediatric disciplines.

  • Ease a childs fear and anxiety with therapeutic and recreational play activities.

  • Foster an environment that incorporates emotional support and fosters coping during treatment and procedures.

  • Introduce distraction and interactive objects within the clinic.

  • Encourage understanding and cooperation by providing non-medical preparation and support for children undergoing tests, surgeries, and other medical procedures.

  • Advocate for family-centered care.

  • Engage and energize children and families by coordinating special events, entertainment, and activities.

  • Consider the needs of siblings or other children who may also be affected by a childs illness or trauma.

  • Direct pre-admission hospital tours and resources, and consultations with outpatient families.

  • Support families confronting grief and bereavement issues.

  • Provide information and resources for parents and members of the interdisciplinary team.

  • Performs other related duties as directed.

Basic Qualifications:
Experience




    • 480 hours in a child life internship, fellowship or paid clinical child life work experience is required.



Education

  • Bachelors degree in child life or related field such as child and family studies, psychology, child development, recreational therapy and early childhood education is required.
License, Certification, Registration
  • Child Life Specialist Certificate within 12 months of hire
  • Basic Life Support
Additional Requirements:

  • N/A
Preferred Qualifications:

  • Masters degree in child life or related field such as child and family studies, psychology, child development, recreational therapy and early childhood education preferred.
Primary Location: District of Columbia,Washington,Capitol Hill Medical Center Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Shift: Day Workdays: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri Working Hours Start: 08:30 AM Working Hours End: 05:00 PM Job Schedule: Full-time Job Type: Standard Worker Location: Onsite Employee Status: Regular Employee Group/Union Affiliation: NUE-MAS-01|NUE|Non Union Employee Job Level: Individual Contributor Department: Capitol Hill Medical Center - Pediatrics-Sub Specialty - 1808 Pay Range: $60200 - $77880 / year Kaiser Permanente is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted pay range is based on possible base salaries for the role and does not include the value of our total rewards package. Actual pay determined at offer will be based on years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills and geographic location along with a review of current employees in similar roles to ensure that pay equity is achieved and maintained across Kaiser Permanente. Travel: Yes, 15 % of the Time

Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.

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