Child Life Specialist

University of California - San Francisco Campus and Health
United States, California, San Francisco
Feb 28, 2026
Child Life Specialist Child Life Services - ICN (Intensive Care Nursery) Full Time 88196BR Job Summary This position is focused in the Intensive Care Nursery. The Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) plays a pivotal role, building a sustainable, developmentally supportive, and family-centered program. Focusing on the unique neurodevelopmental needs of premature infants, the CCLS will build a service incorporating education, play and sensory regulation techniques. Supports caregiver bonding to create healthy attachments and offers interventions that address medical trauma, long-term hospitalization and uncertain outcomes. Coordinates programming and special events for pediatric patients and their families in Child Life Services programming spaces. Provides orientation and supervision for Child Life Services interns and volunteers. Assists in training and orientation of new hires. Works under the supervision of the Child Life Director. 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 $40.63 - $54.92 (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 Services Required Qualifications CLS I: Minimum qualifications for application include a 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) and Proof of eligibility for Child Life certification is required, certification preferred. Must be certified within 18 months of hire. One year of paid experience preferred but not required. 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 Volunteer Supervision CLS II: Minimum qualifications for application include a Masters' degree in Education, Child Life, Child Development or a related field, or 5 years of experience Child Life Certification required Minimum of 2 years' paid experience as a Child Life Specialist required. Must complete CLS II competencies within 6 months of hire: These include all CLS I competencies plus: Student Internship Supervision End of Life Care Cultural Awareness Professionalism Special needs New Employee Orientation Preferred Qualifications N/A 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 Support Services Bargaining Unit University Professional and Technical Employees - Health Care Professionals Unit (UPTE-HX) Employee Class Career Percentage 100% Location San Francisco, CA Campus Mission Bay (SF) Work Style Fully On-Site Shift Days Shift Length 8 Hours Additional Shift Details Monday - Friday