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Child Life Specialist

Johns Hopkins Medicine
United States, Maryland, Baltimore
Aug 26, 2026

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Job Details

Requisition #:
662839

Location:
Johns Hopkins Hospital,
Baltimore,
MD 21287

Category:
Social Work/Mental Health

Schedule:
Day Shift

Employment Type:
Full Time


Job Summary:

  • Transform Lives:Provide compassionate psychosocial and developmental assessments and support to patients and their families during some of their most challenging times.
  • Empower Growth:Plan and deliver emotionally and developmentally enriching play experiences that help patients navigate healthcare challenges while promoting cognitive and emotional development.
  • Elevate Care Quality:Enhance patient outcomes through proactive participation, meticulous documentation, and seamless communication with a dedicated healthcare team.
  • Lead and Inspire:Mentor and supervise volunteers and Child Life practicum students, fostering the next generation of child life specialists.
  • Advocate for Development:Serve as a trusted resource on child development issues, ensuring every child's unique needs are understood and met.

Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Child Life, or a related field.
  • Completion of a Child Life internship (minimum 480 hours; 600 hours preferred) to equip you with hands-on skills.

Knowledge:

  • A deep understanding of child development theories and caregiving practices to nurture young minds.
  • Skilled in therapeutic play and psychological preparation, providing essential coping strategies that empower patients and families during medical experiences.
  • Familiarity with medical terminology and protocols, gained through practical training and hands-on experience.
  • Awareness of the Child Life Council Code of Ethics, ensuring the highest quality of care.

Skills:

  • Skillfully assess psychosocial and developmental strengths and risks of patients and families to create tailored intervention plans.
  • Lead group and individual activities that ignite creativity and self-expression, fostering a joyful and supportive environment.
  • Provide attentive care, monitoring needs and behaviors with dedication, ensuring that patients and their families feel valued and supported.
  • Master the art of documentation and develop strong verbal communication skills to advocate effectively for patients.
  • Possess basic supervisory skills and a commitment to cultural competence, enhancing interactions with diverse populations.
  • Exhibit exceptional time management and organizational prowess, ensuring smooth operations in a fast-paced environment.

Required Licensure, Certification, Etc.:

  • Obtain Child Life Council certification within the first year of employment and maintain active certification throughout your career. Continuous professional growth is a must!

Work Experience:

  • Bring one year of job experience or a Master's degree with related experience to enrich our team and make an impact.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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