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Child Life Specialist I

University of California - San Francisco Campus and Health
United States, California, San Francisco
Jan 31, 2026

Child Life Specialist I

CHILD LIFE

Full Time

87691BR

Job Summary


The Child Life Specialist I, in collaboration with members of the health care team, promotes optimum growth and development of pediatric patients and their families by creating a therapeutic environment which minimizes psychological trauma and promotes mastery of health care experiences. Provides opportunities for expression of feelings through individual and group therapeutic play. Plans interventions in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team. Provides developmentally appropriate education for children and adolescents prior to medical procedures with materials and language that are age appropriate. Coordinates programming and special events for pediatric patients and their families in Child Life programming spaces. Provides orientation and supervision for Child Life interns and volunteers. Works under the supervision of the Child Life Manager. No supervision over other staff exercised.

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

The salary range for this position is $39.45 - $53.32 (Hourly Rate).

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Department Description

Child Life

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Life, Child Development or a related field, Master's Degree preferred.
Child Life internship under the supervision of a certified Child Life Specialist (600 hours) in a pediatric hospital setting and
Proof of eligibility for Child Life certification is required, certification preferred. Must be certified within 6 months of hire.
Must complete CLS I competencies within 6 months of hire:
These include:
Environment of Care (Programming)
Assessment - Child Development and Family Systems
Age Specific Interventions
Preparation for Medical Treatments and Procedures
Procedural Support and Coping
Therapeutic Play
Documentation and Charting
Trauma-informed care and cultural reflexivity

Preferred Qualifications


  • Master's Degree preferred.
  • One year of paid experience preferred, but not required.

About UCSF

At UCSF Health, our mission of innovative patient care, advanced technology and pioneering research is redefining what's possible for the patients we serve - a promise we share with the professionals who make up our team.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals nationwide by U.S. News & World Report - UCSF Health is committed to providing the most rewarding work experience while delivering the best care available anywhere. In an environment that allows for continuous learning and opportunities for professional growth, UCSF Health offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Organization

Health

Job Code and Payroll Title

007873 CHILD LIFE SPEC 1 EX

Job Category

Social Work and Psychology

Bargaining Unit

University Professional and Technical Employees - Health Care Professionals Unit (UPTE-HX)

Employee Class

Career

Percentage

80%

Location

Oakland, CA

Campus

Benioff Children's Hospital

Work Style

Fully On-Site

Shift

Days

Shift Length

8 Hours

Additional Shift Details

Monday - Friday

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