About this role
Find your calling at Mercy!
PRN | Flexible Scheduling | Pediatric Healthcare
Help Children Thrive Through Compassionate Care
At Mercy Kids St. Louis, we understand that a hospital stay can be overwhelming for children and their families. That's why our Child Life Specialists play a vital role in creating positive experiences, reducing anxiety, and helping children navigate healthcare with confidence.
We're seeking a compassionate, creative, and dedicated Child Life Specialist to join our team on a PRN basis. In this role, you'll provide emotional support, therapeutic interventions, education, and play opportunities that promote coping, development, and healing for pediatric patients and their families.
Position Details:
Why Mercy Kids?
✅ Flexible PRN Schedule
✅ Collaborative Pediatric Care Team
✅ Meaningful Impact on Children and Families
✅ Opportunities to Lead Special Events and Programs
✅ Supportive and Mission-Driven Culture
What You'll Do
As a Child Life Specialist, you will:
- Provide developmentally appropriate education, preparation, and support for children undergoing tests, procedures, surgeries, and treatments
- Help reduce fear and anxiety through therapeutic play, coping strategies, and emotional support
- Advocate for patients and families while promoting patient- and family-centered care
- Assess patient and family needs and develop individualized treatment goals and care plans
- Facilitate therapeutic group and individual activities that support normal growth and development
- Reassess treatment goals and modify interventions based on changing patient needs
- Orient patients and families to Child Life services and available resources
- Provide clear and effective patient and family education throughout the continuum of care
- Support a safe environment during all therapeutic activities
- Coordinate special events, celebrations, and enrichment opportunities for patients and families
- Collaborate with volunteers, community organizations, entertainers, and support groups to enhance the patient experience
- Conduct pre-operative tours and surgical preparation as needed
- Educate hospital departments about Child Life services and serve as a resource across Mercy Children's Hospital
- Supervise Child Life students, interns, and volunteers
- Complete documentation accurately and within established timelines
- Manage department supplies and equipment while maintaining budget stewardship
- Stay current on best practices, technical advancements, and therapeutic approaches in Child Life
What We're Looking For
We are seeking candidates who are:
- Passionate about supporting pediatric patients and their families
- Compassionate, energetic, and patient-focused
- Creative in developing therapeutic and educational activities
- Strong communicators and advocates
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
- Organized, adaptable, and dependable
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Education, or a related field
- Child Life Certification (CCLS)
- Previous experience in a pediatric hospital, healthcare, or child development setting
- Experience supporting children through medical procedures and hospitalizations
- Experience supervising students, interns, or volunteers
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Join Mercy Kids St. Louis
If you're passionate about helping children cope, heal, and thrive during challenging healthcare experiences, we invite you to join our award-winning pediatric team. Your expertise, creativity, and compassion can make a lasting difference for the children and families we serve every day.
Apply today to become a PRN Child Life Specialist with Mercy Kids St. Louis.
Why Mercy?
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.