Child Life Specialist - Child Life

San Diego, California

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Job ID: 18933
Date posted: 06/03/2026
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day
Department: Child Life

This position is part of a collaboration between Child Life Services and the Autism Friendly Health System Initiative (AFHSI) within the Rady Children's Health Autism Discovery Institute. The role includes working closely with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and other professionals to contribute to staff education, training, and facilitation efforts for interprofessional audiences, as well as the development of resources that enhance care. The specialist may also participate in program evaluation, quality improvement, and/or research activities to support ongoing program development. This position focuses on reducing stress and supporting positive healthcare experiences through a coordinated, patient- and family-centered approach in the outpatient lab, with an emphasis on serving autistic and neurodivergent patients and their families.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Child Life Specialist is a member of the healthcare team who focuses on the emotional and developmental needs of children and families to reduce stress and anxiety associated with a healthcare experience through play, education, preparation, and other therapeutic interventions; enabling children and families to cope more effectively and encourages optimum development of children facing challenging experiences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BLS for Health Providers (American Heart Association)

CA Driver's License

Proof of Auto Insurance

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in child life, child development, psychology, or related field with an emphasis in child life meeting the 10-coursework requirement set forth by the Association of the Child Life Professionals

Completed a 600-hour pediatric Child Life internship in accordance with the guidelines established by the Association of Child Life Professionals

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) must be obtained within one year of hire date

Resident Dog Handler (if applicable): Must successfully complete the required training from Canine Companions

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s Degree

1 year of experience

Completed a practicum with a minimum of 100 hours

Autism Friendly Health Systems Initiative (if applicable): Previous experience providing training, facilitation, and/or public speaking to interprofessional audiences

Autism Friendly Health Systems Initiative (if applicable): Previous experience working with autistic children, neurodivergent individuals, and their families in healthcare or related

Autism Friendly Health Systems Initiative (if applicable): Experience with program evaluation, quality improvement, and/or research activities

The current salary range for this position is $29.48 to $40.55

Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.

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