Child Life Specialist 10AWS
- BLS
How this pay compares
This posting does not state an hourly rate. Open child life specialist jobs in California post a median of $46.46 an hour, the middle half $40.55–$54.15, across 6 jobs that state their pay. Child life specialists employed in California earn a median of $39.31 an hour (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
Child life specialists in California: pay by town and employer
The More Allied Health job market: pay, applicant demand and hiring, researched nightly
About the job
Work Location
Mission Viejo, California
Work Shift
Day – 10hrs (United States of America)
Why RCH?
At RCH, we strive to be the leading destination of children’s health by providing exceptional and innovative care. We are responsible for the overall health of our community’s pediatric population in our hospitals, clinics, and practices. And because of our breadth of care, your career at RCH can be as diverse and fulfilling as you determine. RCH’s compensation structure, benefits offerings, and career development programs are geared to helping you achieve your professional and personal goals. Apply now to see where your career at RCH can take you.
Environmental Sustainablity Statement
Driven by the connection between children's health and a healthy environment, we commit to creating a healthcare model that incorporates environmental sustainability aligned with our mission to protect children's health and patient safety.
Job Summary
The Child Life Specialist is responsible for supporting patients, families, and the health care team in identifying the psychosocial and developmental factors that impact the health care experience for patients and family members. Assess the emotional, developmental, educational, recreational, and diversionary needs of the patient and sibling. Provide developmental stimulation, therapeutic play and activities, procedural preparation, age-appropriate education, and family support to help reduce stress, increase adaptive coping, and enhance developmental growth. Administer individual and/or group therapeutic activities.
Pay Range
Minimum $25.46 Midpoint $33.73 Maximum $42.01
Rate of pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, education, as well as position requirements.
Experience
- Required: Previous and/or current experience working with infants, children, and adolescents.
- Preferred: Two(2) years of professional experience as a Child Life Specialist.
Education
- Required: Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development, Psychology, or closely related field.
- Preferred: Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development, Psychology, or closely related field.
Training
- Required: CPR Certification within 30-days of hire or transfer into position. Must have completed a minimum of 600 hours of a child life clinical internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist . Application for certification to be completed within one-year of hire and each year thereafter until certification is obtained.
Specialized Skills
- Required: Ability to positively interact with children and families. Excellent customer service and communication skills. Ability to prioritize and complete duties in a timely and organized manner. Ability to work in collaboration and in a positive manner with others. Ability to perform duties independently of other Child Life Specialists. Performs work according to CCHM's policies and procedures, standard of care, and applicable laws. Ability to set goals and judge results in accordance with the highest standards. Care with sensitivity and respect. Advance care through the development of new ideas and technology. Promote teamwork to achieve CHOC's mission. Understand and exceed customer expectation.
Licensure
- Required: Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association or CHOC BLS Prep Course for RQI completed within 90 days of hire or transfer into position. Certified Child Life Specialist, must gain certification within one (1) year of hire
Work Environments - Functional Demand:
Medium - High energy level Lift and carry 40-50 lbs. Push/pull +/- 150-200 lbs. (Patients on bed, stretcher) Lateral transfer 150-200 lbs. (ie. Patient) .
Physical Activity Requirements
Bending, Carry Objects, Climbing, Keyboard use/repetitive motion, Pinching/fine motor activities, Push/Pull, Reaching forward, Reaching overhead, Sitting, Squat/kneel/crawl (Squad & Knee), Standing, Talk or hear, Taste or smell, Twisting, Walking, Wrist position deviation
Physical Activity Lifting
Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Constant 67 or more%, Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Frequent 36-66%, Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Occasional 0-35%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Constant 67 or more%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Frequent 36-66%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Occasional 0-35%
Sensory Requirements:
Color Discrimination, Depth Perception, Far Vision, Hearing, Near Vision
Environment Requirements:
Airborn Communicable Disease, Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical, Dust Particular Matter, Extreme Noise Levels, Extreme Temperatures, Radiation, Uneven Surfaces or Elevations
Non-Discrimination Statement:
RCH does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, genetic information, disability, sex, gender (including pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, medical condition, sexual orientation, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or other protected characteristics in accordance with state and federal laws.
We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for positions at RCH, even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the listed qualifications for a particular role, as your unique experience may be a great addition to our culture for another one of our opportunities.
If you desire support or accommodations throughout the Talent Acquisition process, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner.
From Rady Children's Health's job posting, checked 4 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Rady Children's Health
Rady Children's Health hires nurses, allied health staff and lab staff in California.
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