At University Health, Child Life Specialists play a vital role in helping children and families navigate hospitalization 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 Medical-Surgical and Acute Care environments, values collaboration, and finds purpose in supporting children through treatment, recovery, and transition across inpatient care settings.

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 hospitalized children and families, with a focus on medical-surgical and acute care units. This role supports children coping with illness, injury, procedures, and extended hospital stays through therapeutic play, education, and emotional support.

The position also contributes to program development, volunteer supervision, and community education while collaborating closely with nursing, physicians, and allied health professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic interventions for pediatric patients
• Provide preparation and coping support for medical and surgical procedures
• Promote normalization through play, education, and age-appropriate activities during hospitalization
• Support children experiencing acute illness, recovery, or repeated admissions
• Provide emotional support to patients, siblings, and families throughout the care continuum
• Collaborate and integrate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to support holistic care
• Advocate for developmental and psychosocial needs of pediatric patients
• Supervise Foster Grandparents, volunteers, students, and community groups
• Assist with program quality monitoring, supplies, and therapeutic materials
• Participate in community involvement initiatives such as health fairs and outreach
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the medical record

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Special Education, or related field required
• Completion of an Child Life internship
• One year of full-time experience in a Child Life program preferred
• Experience in pediatric medical-surgical or acute care settings preferred

Certification

• Must be eligible for Child Life certification within six months of hire
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) preferred

Excellent Benefits

University Health offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being and future:

• Excellent medical and dental insurance
• Vision plan
• Robust PTO accrual
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Retirement plans
• Pet insurance

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.

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