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Certified Child Life Specialist

Job Summary
The Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) provides emotional support, developmentally appropriate education, and coping interventions to children experiencing a caregiver’s cancer diagnosis or cancer-related death. Through therapeutic play, preparation, and evidence-based interventions, this role supports children and families in building resilience and navigating complex emotions.

This role works closely with an administrative team and will provide light logistical support, including assisting with shipping materials, utilizing storage space, and participating in 5-6 in person events per year.

Responsibilities

• Provide developmentally appropriate emotional support to children impacted by a caregiver’s cancer diagnosis or bereavement
• Conduct assessments of children’s emotional, developmental, and coping needs to inform individualized interventions
• Implement therapeutic play, medical play, expressive activities, and coping strategies to support adjustment and understanding
• Offer education and preparation to children related to illness, treatment, transitions (e.g., hospitalization, hospice), and grief
• Support children and families during UPLIFT programming (virtual and in-person) through direct interaction and facilitation of activities
• Foster safe, supportive environments where children can express feelings, ask questions, and process experiences
• Provide guidance to caregivers on how to support their children’s emotional needs and coping
• Utilize trauma-informed and family-centered care approaches in all interactions
• Maintain accurate data and documentation, including tracking assessments, interventions, and all interactions with children and families in a timely and confidential manner
• Collaborate with families to ensure interventions are culturally sensitive and aligned with family values and needs

Additional Support Responsibilities (as needed):

• Collaborate with administrative staff to prepare and ship program materials and coping boxes
• Assist with organization and use of storage unit inventory

Characteristics of a Successful Candidate

• Strong understanding of child development, grief, and trauma
• Ability to build trusting relationships with children and families
• Skilled in therapeutic play and emotional expression techniques
• Empathetic, adaptable, and emotionally attuned
• Strong verbal communication skills, especially with children of varying developmental levels
• Passionate about supporting children through serious illness and loss

Education & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in child life, child development, psychology, or related field
• Master’s Degree in Child Life or related field preferred
• Must maintain Child Life Certification
• Minimum of 1 year of experience supporting children and families in stressful or medical environments

Classification
Contract / Hourly (15-20 hours per week, with opportunity to increase)

Reports To
Executive Director

Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Maddy Marshall, Executive Director at maddym@thelononfoundation.org