Child Life Specialist Per Diem

#CA-SS

The Child Life Specialist 1 Per Diem is a professional with the skill and knowledge to conduct thorough assessments and implement developmentally and psychosocially appropriate interventions for pediatric patients. The specialist must have the skills to provide emotional support, reflective listening and maintain therapeutic relationships. The specialist must also have the knowledge to provide diagnosis and procedural education and preparation to facilitate adjustment to the hospital environment, illness and injury while facilitating coping. It is necessary for the specialist to provide family support and patient resources as needed. Supervision of volunteers and practicum students and provision of introductory guidance to the child life interns and fellows as appropriate is also required.

This posting will fill two vacancies within the department and will require floating between inpatient and outpatient.

Apply By Date September 29, 2025 at 11:59PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or must obtain Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) within 6 months of hire to retain active employee status
• Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology or related field
• Knowledge of child development and theory
• Knowledge of appropriate Child Life interventions with patients and families
• Knowledge of Child Life theory and how to apply theory to practice
• Knowledge of medical terminology, diagnosis and procedures
• Ability to effectively communicate with parents, pediatric patients and siblings about social, emotional, developmental and patient education needs
• Knowledge of formal assessments and ability to implement therapeutic interventions
• Ability to document assessments, interventions and plans in medical records
• Ability to work both independently and in an interdisciplinary team setting
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
• Commitment to excellence in patient care.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates accountability and professionalism.
• Adapts to change in a positive, professional, and productive manner.
• Knowledge of legal implications in clinical practice and documentation.
• Knowledge of performance improvement and evidence-based practice.
• Basic computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Child Development or related field
• Child Life Specialist (CCLS) with one or more years of experience

Key Responsibilities

• 85% - Provides Child Life services to pediatric patients
• 5% - Effectively communicates and interacts with the interprofessional health care team
• 5% - Education, orientation, and program development
• 5% - Stewardship and managing of department resources

Department Overview

The Child Life & Creative Arts Therapy Department works with patients, families, and the medical staff to provide services that meet the unique psychosocial and developmental needs of each child and family. They focus on the emotional well-being of hospitalized children and their families to reduce anxiety and promote coping.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $43.54
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 156
• UC Job Title: CHILD LIFE SPEC 1 PD
• UC Job Code: 009368
• Number of Positions: 2
• Appointment Type: Staff: Per Diem
• Percentage of Time: 20%
• Shift (Work Schedule): 8 to 12 hours, variable days including evenings & weekends
• Location: Main Hospital (HSP001)
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: No
• This position is 100% on-site
• This is not a H-1B visa opportunity

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Works overtime as defined by the collective bargaining agreements; floats to other areas; and works weekends, holidays and call as required. References reflect an overall meets or exceeds.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks