Child Life Specialist in New Brunswick, New Jersey at RWJBarnabas Health

Job Title: Child Life Specialist

Location: Bristol Myers Squibb Hospital

Department Name: Child Life Program

Req #: 0000256613

Status: Salaried

Shift: Evening

Pay Range: $64,500.00 - $80,700.00 per year

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated annual salary range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Child Life Specialist – RWJBarnabas Health

At RWJBarnabas Health, the Child Life Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the emotional, developmental, and psychosocial well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and their families throughout the healthcare experience. As part of the Children's Hospital, they use therapeutic play, education, and evidence-based interventions to help patients cope with illness, hospitalization, and medical procedures while fostering resilience and family-centered care.

A typical day for a Child Life Specialist may include:

• Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessments to develop individualized treatment plans based on each child's developmental level, coping style, medical needs, and family support system
• Utilizes therapeutic play as both a diagnostic and treatment tool to promote emotional expression, coping, and healing
• Prepares children and families for medical procedures using developmentally appropriate education and coping techniques
• Provides emotional support to patients and family members before, during, and after medical procedures
• Implements stress-reduction strategies, including distraction, relaxation, guided imagery, and other age-appropriate interventions
• Develops and facilitates therapeutic activities, special events, and programs that promote normal childhood experiences during hospitalization
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary care teams to support the developmental and psychosocial needs of patients
• Documents Child Life interventions, patient progress, and relevant observations in accordance with departmental standards
• Educates healthcare staff on Child Life programming and developmentally appropriate, family-centered care
• Assists with community outreach initiatives, special programming, and supervision of Child Life interns while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment

This role might be for you if:

• You are passionate about supporting children and families through challenging healthcare experiences
• Compassion, empathy, and family-centered care guide every interaction
• You communicate effectively with children of all developmental stages, as well as parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals
• You are creative and enjoy using play, education, and therapeutic interventions to reduce fear and anxiety
• You remain calm, flexible, and supportive in fast-paced and emotionally sensitive situations
• You value collaboration and enjoy working as part of an interdisciplinary pediatric care team
• Continuous learning and professional growth are important to you
• Creating a positive, supportive healthcare experience for children and families is at the heart of your work

To be considered for this Child Life Specialist opportunity:

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Psychology, Child Development, Education, or a related field required
• Master's degree preferred
• Completion of a Child Life Internship required
• Child Life Certification preferred upon hire
• Child Life Certification required within one year of employment and must be maintained throughout employment