Child Life Specialist

At Children’s Wisconsin, we believe kids deserve the best.

Children’s Wisconsin is a nationally recognized health system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. We provide primary care, specialty care, urgent care, emergency care, community health services, foster and adoption services, child and family counseling, child advocacy services and family resource centers. Our reputation draws patients and families from around the country.

We offer a wide variety of rewarding career opportunities and are seeking individuals dedicated to helping us achieve our vision of the healthiest kids in the country. If you want to work for an organization that makes a difference for children and families, and encourages you to be at your best every day, please apply today.

Please follow this link for a closer look at what it’s like to work at Children’s Wisconsin: https://www.instagram.com/lifeatcw/

Position summary:

The Child Life Specialist (CLS) utilizes play, preparation and education to assist children and families in coping with the stress and trauma often associated with a hospitalization. The Child Life Specialist uses an evidence-based approach to clinical practice; providing ongoing assessment of interventions. The CLS is an essential member of the health care team, supporting the psycho-social needs of the child and family.

Position requirements:

• Understanding of Child Life, child growth and development, child psychology and family dynamics acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree in Child Life, child development or related field. Completion of a 600 hour internship experience and one year of experience working with children in a health care setting
• Current CPR certification - Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
• Eligible to receive Child Life certification within first year of employment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written communication. This includes: assessment, evaluation and provision of accurate and timely handoff of child and family information with members of the healthcare team.
• Analytical skills to observe and assess behaviors in order to direct appropriate therapeutic play programming and interventions in support of the individual child/family.
• Requires support of weekend staffing:
• Monday-Friday position requires participation in a Sunday rotation schedule to offer house-wide support.

Children's Wisconsin is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We treat everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness. We do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status or condition protected by the law.

Certifications/Licenses:

BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider - American Heart Association, CCLS-Certified Child Life Specialist - Association of Child Life Professionals