Child Life-Specialist

Child Life Specialist

Location: Riley Hospital

Shift: Full-Time Day

Join Our Compassionate Pediatric Care Team!

Indiana University Health Riley Hospital is seeking a dedicated Child Life Specialist (CLS) to support the emotional, developmental, and psychosocial needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults during their hospital experience. This full-time role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families during challenging times.

If you are passionate about family-centered care and supporting children through illness, injury, or loss, we encourage you to apply!

Position Overview

The Child Life Specialist works as a vital member of the healthcare team to address the emotional and psychosocial concerns of pediatric patients and their families. Responsibilities include:

• Supporting families and patients adjusting to illness, injury, or loss in critical, acute, and ambulatory settings
• Assessing psychosocial, developmental, and cultural needs of patients and families
• Using developmentally appropriate interventions to educate, prepare, and support families, enhancing their coping skills
• Collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to advocate for emotionally safe, family-centered care
• Creating a supportive environment that addresses emotional well-being and reduces anxiety

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's Degree required.
• Experience: 0–3 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Certifications:
• ACLP Certified Child Life Specialist Certification required within one year of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required.
• Additional Requirements:
• Completed or current enrollment in a Child Life Internship at a children’s hospital is mandatory to be considered

Why Join IU Health?

Become part of a dedicated pediatric team committed to compassionate, family-centered care. We value your expertise and your dedication to helping children and families navigate healthcare challenges with emotional support and developmentally appropriate interventions.

Ready to enhance the hospital experience for children and families?

Apply now to join IU Health Riley Hospital as a Child Life Specialist!

• Indiana University Health has nearly 40,000 team members, including more than 3,600 physicians and 1,200 advanced practice providers, and we’re home to the largest nursing network in Indiana with more than 9,000 nursing team members at over 800 sites of care.
• IU Health is ranked No. 1 in Indiana by U.S. News & World Report, Riley Children's Health is ranked among the top children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
• A unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s largest medical schools – gives patients access to groundbreaking research and innovative treatments, and it offers team members access to the latest science and the very best training – advancing healthcare for all.
• With 15 hospitals, including seven with Magnet designation and eight with Pathways to Excellence designation, our team members are leading the way through excellence.
• At Indiana University Health, your personal and professional growth is a top priority. You will have access to many diverse opportunities to learn and develop in meaningful ways that matter most to you, such as advanced clinical training, leadership development, promotion opportunities and cross training development.
• Indiana University Health is invested in the lives of Hoosiers, leading the transformation of healthcare to make Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states.