Child Life Specialist - Patient Experience

Child Life Specialist - Patient Experience

Location: Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, IN

Shift: Full-Time Day

Department: Patient Experience

Join Our Team!

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of pediatric patients and their families? We are seeking compassionate, purpose-driven individuals dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and their families through challenging hospital experiences. If you’re committed to excellence and eager to serve with purpose, we want to hear from you!

Apply NOW - We can't wait to meet you!

Position Overview

The Child Life Specialist is a vital member of the healthcare team, addressing the psychosocial and emotional needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults during their hospital stay. Responsible for supporting patients and families as they cope with illness, injury, or loss across various settings. The CLS assesses psychosocial, developmental, and cultural needs, applying developmentally appropriate interventions to educate, prepare, and support families. The role involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to promote emotionally safe, family-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

• Support patients and families in adjusting to medical experiences and hospitalization.
• Assess psychosocial, developmental, and cultural needs of patients and families.
• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate interventions to educate, prepare, and support families.
• Advocate for emotionally safe, family-centered care in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient and family experiences.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Experience:
• 0-3 years of relevant experience.
• Certifications:
• Enrollment in or completion of an ACLP internship.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.

Why Join IU Health?

As Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare system, and the #1 ranked healthcare provider in the state, we offer:

• 401(k) retirement savings with employer match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan forgiveness programs (for qualifying participants)
• Employee Assistance Program (free counseling services)
• Healthy Results wellness program, with financial incentives for participation

To learn more about our benefits, visit: IU Health Benefits

• 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.