The Child Life Specialist (CLS) works in health care and community settings to address the psychosocial, emotional, and family concerns that accompany the illness and injury of infants, children, adolescents, and youth. The CLS utilizes developmentally appropriate information, procedure support, emotional processing, play, self-expression and empowerment to improve the coping and adjustment of patients and families. As a member of the psychosocial team, the CLS collaborates with the multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure that emotionally safe, family-centered care is being provided to patients and families. In addition, the CLS takes an active role in developing and maintaining resources, planning, and facilitating special events and providing educational opportunities throughout Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) and the community.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, Education, or related fields. 
• Experience: Successful completion of 600 hours of child life internship under the direct supervision of a certified child life specialist.
• Certification(s): Current Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).

Will also take a Child Life Intern who's completed their internship as a entry level (see below): 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, Education, or related fields. 
• Experience: Successful completion of 600 hours of child life internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist
• Certification(s): Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.

About Children's Hospital Colorado

Here, it’s different. Come join us.Children's Hospital Colorado has defined and delivered pediatric healthcare excellence for more than 100 years.Here, the nation’s brightest nurses, physicians, scientists, researchers, therapists, and care providers are creating the future of child health. With an optimist’s outlook, a trailblazing spirit, and a celebrated history, we’re making new strides every day.We’ve been Magnet-designated four times by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and are consistently recognized among the best of the best pediatric hospitals with #1 rankings in Colorado and the region by U.S. News & World Report.As a national leader in pediatric care, we serve children and families from all over the nation. Our System of Care includes four pediatric hospitals, 11 specialty care centers, 1,300+ outreach clinics and more than 10,000 healthcare professionals representing the full spectrum of pediatric care specialties.Here, we know it takes all of us, every role, to deliver the best possible care to each child and family we treat.That’s why we build our teams toward a foundation of equity in access, advancement, and opportunity. We know teams of individuals with dif...ferent identities and backgrounds can nurture creativity and innovation. We know we can see, treat, and heal children better when our team reflects the diversity of our patient population. We strive to attract and retain diverse talent because we know a truly inclusive and equitable workforce will help us one day realize our most basic calling: to heal every child who comes through our doors.A career at Children's Colorado will challenge you, inspire you, and motivate you to make a difference in the life of a child. Here, it’s different.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at Children's Hospital Colorado