San Antonio, TX

Meaningful Work. Real Impact. Every Day.

At University Health, Child Life Specialists play a vital role in helping children and families navigate healthcare experiences with confidence, understanding, and emotional support. As a leading academic institution and the region’s Level I Trauma Center, University Health is deeply committed to community involvement, compassionate care, and serving the underserved.

We are seeking a Child Life Specialist who thrives in ambulatory clinic settings, values collaboration, and is passionate about supporting children and families through outpatient visits, ongoing treatment plans, and preventive care experiences.

WHY UNIVERSITY HEALTH
• Mission-driven organization focused on equitable care and service to the community
• Integrated healthcare team model with strong interdisciplinary collaboration
• Supportive environment emphasizing growth opportunities and professional development
• Rewarding work that directly improves patient and family experiences
• Academic medical center with exposure to teaching, innovation, and best practices

POSITION SUMMARY
The Child Life Specialist provides developmentally appropriate psychosocial care for children and families in ambulatory and outpatient clinic settings. This role focuses on helping pediatric patients cope with medical visits, procedures, diagnoses, and ongoing treatment through preparation, education, therapeutic play, and emotional support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide preparation and coping support for outpatient procedures and clinic visits
• Promote normalization through play, education, and age-appropriate activities
• Support children and families managing chronic conditions and recurring visits
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams
• Advocate for psychosocial and developmental needs
• Participate in community outreach and education
• Maintain accurate documentation

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Special Education, or related field required
• Completion of a Child Life internship
• One year of experience preferred
• Ambulatory or outpatient pediatric experience preferred

CERTIFICATION
• Eligible for Child Life certification within six months of hire
• CCLS preferred

BENEFITS
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• PTO
• Life insurance
• FSA
• Retirement plans
• Pet insurance

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are seeking a meaningful career where your expertise supports children and families during their most critical moments—and where your work truly matters—we invite you to apply.

https://pm.healthcaresource.com/cs/universityhealthsystem/#/job/56479

or send CV to arlena.jonas@uhtx.com

About UNIVERSITY HEALTH

University Health is the only locally owned health system in San Antonio. For more than 100 years, we’ve been here to heal, improve health, train the next generation of medical professionals, and ensure the people of San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas have access to high-quality and compassionate primary and advanced specialty care, close to home. University Health is a hub of innovation and discovery, helping to create tomorrow’s best practices today, as the region’s only academic health system. As a trauma-informed organization, University Health strives to create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where patients and staff are empowered to take part in their own wellbeing.

Connections working at UNIVERSITY HEALTH