The Child Life Specialist provides individual assessments and age-appropriate therapeutic interventions for patients and their families.  Interventions are designed to minimize stressors associated with the healthcare experience and foster individual patient and family strengths.  The Child Life Specialist participates with the healthcare team and communicates observations and assessments to family and staff members, advocates for the patients and families utilizing the elements of family-centered care and serves as a resource on child development and psychosocial issues for parents and healthcare staff.

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

• Provides preparation and medical play opportunities with information for patients to help alleviate misconceptions and improve understanding of hospital procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining a comfortable, clean and safe play space.
• Directs play toward: a) normalization of the healthcare experience; b) building trusting and non-threatening relationships with patients and families; c) encourage normal growth and development; d) encourage a positive self-image; e) provide group and individual activities based on patient needs.
• Is a resource for parents and staff on child development and healthcare related issues.
• Participates with the interdisciplinary team by assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care interventions.
• Participates in the informal and formal education of staff, students, volunteers, patients and families.
• Works with volunteers and students in providing supportive programming for children.
• Compiles and records statistical data regarding interventions with patients and volunteer attendance.
• Reports any questions or concerns regarding compliance immediately to the attention of department or organization/hospital administrative staff.
• Utilizes a family-centered approach (considering physical, psych/social, spiritual, educational, safety, and related criteria) appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Shows responsible and accountable management of human, fiscal, and material resources.
• Accepts responsibility for maintaining and developing personal and professional skills and knowledge related to the work area assigned.
• Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service by striving to exceed customer experience
• Balances team and individual responsibilities; open and objective to other’s views; gives them welcome feedback; contributes to positive team goals; and puts the success of the team above own interests.
• Demonstrates the knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.
• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department by regular, reliable attendance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life or closely related field.
• Has completed a Child Life internship; may be considered after completion of internship and candidate is able to become certified.
• Certified Child Life Specialist
• Basic Life Support