Child Life Specialist

Child Life Specialist — ED/Surgery

Bronson Battle Creek · Full-Time · First Shift (40 hrs/week) Requisition ID: JOB37588 Sign-On Bonus: Up to $1,000 (external candidates) · Retention Bonus: $1,000 (external candidates)

About Team Bronson

Team Bronson is compassionate, resilient, and strong. We are driven by Positivity — which inspires us to be our best and to go above and beyond for our patients, for one another, and for our community.

Role Summary

The Child Life Specialist develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive Child Life Program that promotes the developmental well-being of children, adolescents, and their families. This role minimizes psychological trauma during medical treatments while maintaining normal living patterns. As a key member of the healthcare team, the specialist fosters mastery through play, learning, self-expression, family involvement, and peer interaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Development — Design and deliver developmentally appropriate experiences supporting cognitive, emotional, and social growth
• Patient & Family Preparation — Guide families through hospitalization and procedural preparation, ensuring they are informed and supported
• Therapeutic Play Environment — Create and maintain a playroom and interactive materials that promote healthy play, growth, and development
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration — Partner with healthcare professionals to address psychosocial needs and ensure coordinated care
• Communication — Deliver clear, age-appropriate verbal and written communication to patients, families, and care teams
• Documentation & Reporting — Collect, document, and report developmental and psychosocial patient data
• Mentorship — Supervise and mentor students and volunteers within the Child Life Program

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Development, Child Life, or a related field
• Internship: Completed under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist
• Certification: Eligible for Professional Child Life Certification at hire; must obtain CLCC certification within 18 months (minimum two exam attempts required within the first year)
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with computers and electronic patient charting systems
• Medical Knowledge: Working knowledge of medical terminology, diagnoses, tests, and procedures relevant to pediatric care
• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills with the ability to engage effectively across diverse audiences
• Problem-Solving: Ability to assess patient needs and apply critical thinking to guide appropriate interventions

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Frequent standing and walking; occasional lifting up to 20 lbs
• Assisting with patient lifts and positioning
• Computer-based administrative work up to 40% of the time
• Fast-paced environment requiring effective multitasking and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams