PRN Child Life Specialist: Mercy St. Louis

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
• 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.
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