Child Life Specialist (Per Diem) - Child Life

San Diego, California

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Job ID: 19164
Date posted: 07/23/2026
Schedule: Per Diem
Shift: Rotating
Department: Child Life

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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