Assistant Manager- Child Life Full Time Days bei None

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Assistant Manager of Child Life supports the strategic and operational leadership of the Child Life Department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and evidence-based psychosocial care for pediatric patients and their families. Under the direction of the Manager of Child Life, Patient Experience, and Family Advisory Council, the Assistant Manager collaborates in the coordination, supervision, and evaluation of child life services and programming. This role assists with program implementation, staff mentorship, and integration of child life practices across interdisciplinary teams to reduce stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization while promoting patient- and family-centered care in alignment with ACLP Clinical Practice Standards and Competencies.

REPORTS TO:
Manager of Child Life, Patient Experience, and Family Advisory Council

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Yes – Certified Child Life Specialists, assistants, students/interns, and relevant volunteers, in coordination with the Manager

MINIMUM EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

REQUIRED DEGREE:
Degree in Child Life, Human Development, Psychology, or a related field required

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:
Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) required

MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 3 years as a CCLS in a healthcare setting; supervisory or mentorship experience preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• In-depth knowledge of child development, child life theory, and ACLP’s Clinical Practice Standards and Competencies

• Proficiency in therapeutic play, procedural support, medical preparation, and coping strategies

• Demonstrated skill in trauma-informed care, emotional support, and family-centered practices

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams

• Experience mentoring staff, students, or interns; capable of providing constructive feedback and professional guidance

• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and contribute to departmental operations and planning

• Familiarity with quality improvement initiatives, data tracking, and program evaluation

• Competency in cultural sensitivity, equity, and inclusion in care delivery

• Commitment to fostering a positive, supportive, and engaging work environment

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports daily operational oversight of the Child Life Department in collaboration with the Manager

• Assists with staff scheduling, supervision, and performance feedback to ensure quality service delivery

• Acts as a resource and mentor for Certified Child Life Specialists, students, and volunteers

• Facilitates developmentally appropriate programming and therapeutic interventions that meet patients’ psychosocial needs

• Provides direct child life services as needed, including medical play, procedural preparation, and emotional support

• Collaborates with medical teams to ensure seamless integration of child life into patient care

• Contributes to departmental training, onboarding, and continuing education efforts

• Aids in organizing special events, donation coordination, and community outreach initiatives

• Participates in assessing patient and family satisfaction and uses feedback to enhance services

• Supports compliance with hospital policies, accreditation standards, and ACLP best practices

• Assists in data collection and reporting on departmental activities, outcomes, and performance metrics

• Serves as acting departmental lead in the absence of the Manager, as delegated

• Champions a culture of safety, empathy, and resilience within pediatric care settings

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position

• Light lifting, pushing, and pulling of up to 10–20 lbs occasionally; frequent movement of objects under 10 lbs

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and sitting required

• Use of computers, mobile devices, and physical play materials may involve repetitive motions and interactive engagement with pediatric patients

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.