Child Life Specialist

Presbyterian is seeking a for a compassionate and skilled Child Life Specialist to support our Children Services department.  

This collaborative role is responsible for providing emotional and developmental support to pediatric patients and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of illness, injury, and hospitalization.

 

As a Child Life Specialist, you’ll deliver services to infants, children, youth, and families—grounded in a deep understanding of child development and the unique impact of medical experiences. Responsibilities include preparing children for medical procedures, offering emotional support through therapeutic play, and working closely with interdisciplinary teams to foster a safe, nurturing, and healing environment.

 

By promoting effective coping strategies and reducing stress, you’ll play a vital role in enhancing the overall healthcare experience for our youngest patients and those who care for them.

 

We're determined to take care of those working in healthcare.

Presbyterian is dedicated to improving people's lives - the lives of our patients and the lives of our coworkers. We're a locally owned and operated, which encourages supportive leadership that empowers employees. And we provide the opportunity to grow from entry-level to the most senior positions.

 

Why Join Us?

• Full-Time Position (1.0 FTE) – Exempt
• Location: Presbyterian Hospital
• Work Hours: Varied days and hours, offering flexibility
• Now offering a sign-on bonus for those who qualify.

Ideal Candidate:

We’re looking for someone who brings both heart and expertise to the role:

• Actively engaged with the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), demonstrating commitment to the field and staying current with best practices.
• Driven by compassion and purpose, with a genuine passion for supporting the emotional and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families during challenging healthcare experiences.

Join us in making a meaningful difference—one child, one family at a time.

• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field allowing for credentialing as a Certified Child Life Specialist required.
• Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or related field preferred.
• Completion of a Child Life Internship (minimum of 480-hour under internship under the direction of a Certified Child Life Specialist) required.
• Current BLS certification for Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association.
• Certification from the Association of Child Life Professionals as a Certified Child Life Specialist or eligible for certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) by the Child Life Certifying Commission. CCLS must be obtained within 12 months of hire and maintained thereafter.
• Professional involvement with the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) is highly encouraged.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and clinical decision-making with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic medical record documentation.
• Demonstrates child life clinical competencies per standards set by the Child Life Certification Commission (ACLP).
• Conducts assessments and delivers interventions to support child development and reduce healthcare-related stress.
• Plans and facilitates therapeutic play experiences—both individual and group—to promote self-expression and mastery.
• Prepares patients and families for medical procedures using age-appropriate coping strategies.
• Maintains a safe, therapeutic, and healing environment for patients, families, and staff.
• Educates patients, families, and staff on coping techniques tailored to developmental and emotional needs.
• Respects professional boundaries, sociocultural diversity, and adapts interactions to individual needs; physical activity required.

About Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Presbyterian offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, life insurance, and optional voluntary benefits.

The Employee Wellness Rewards Program encourages staff to engage in health-enhancing activities - like challenges, webinars, and screenings - with opportunities to earn gift to earn gift cards and other incentives.

As a mission-driven organization, Presbyterian is deeply committed to improving community health across New Mexico through initiatives like growers' markets and local partnerships. Founded in 1908, Presbyterian is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system with nine hospitals, a statewide health plan, and a growing multi-specialty medical group. With nearly 14,000 employees, it is the largest private employer in the state, serving over 580,000 health plan members through Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Commercial plans.

AA/EOE/VET/DISABLED. PHS is a drug-free and tobacco-free employer with smoke free campuses.

USD $29.22/Hr.

The compensation range for this role takes into account a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience and training, internal equity, and other business and organizational needs.