Supervisor, Child Life

Job Profile Summary

​This role focuses on providing medical and clinical support services to patients.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Community Health duties: Delivers training, facilitates sessions, and educates the community on a variety of clinical topics.  A management role that supervises employees focusing on tactical, operational activities within a specified area, with the majority of time spent overseeing area of responsibility, planning, prioritizing and/or directing the responsibilities of employees. Goal achievement is typically accomplished through performance of direct and/or indirect reports.  A role that supervises para-professional employees.  Responsibilities that typically include: Setting day-to-day operational objectives for team, problems faced may be difficult but typically are not complex, and ensures policies, practices and procedures are understood and followed by direct reports, customers and stakeholders. 

Job Overview

This position is responsible to ensure the Child Life program provides services to meet the psychosocial and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families. Supervise Child Life staff and students and support the daily operations of the Child Life program. Responsible for the day-to-day operations of therapeutic programming and developmentally appropriate interventions. Provide direct patient care and planning as needed and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across pediatric care areas, inpatient units, pediatric outpatient clinics, the Pediatric Emergency Department, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Provide developmentally appropriate interventions and psychosocial support to pediatric patients and families experiencing acute illness, hospitalization, or medical procedures, help reduce anxiety, and support coping during healthcare encounters. Apply trauma-informed care principles to support pediatric patients and families during stressful healthcare experiences, promoting emotional safety, trust, and resilience throughout the care process.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelors  degree in Child Life, Child Development, or related field.

2. Three (3) years of direct Child Life experience in a hospital or pediatric healthcare setting.

3. Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or related field

1. Five (5) years of direct Child Life experience in a hospital or pediatric healthcare setting.

2. Prior supervisor or leadership experience.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Supervise, schedule, and evaluate Child Life staff and provide guidance related to patient care and program operations.

2. Responsible for timekeeping and maintaining staff schedules in applicable systems to ensure accurate timekeeping and staffing coverage.

3. Support the implementation of departmental policies and procedures and assist in maintaining quality standards within the Child Life program.

4. Coordinate daily Child Life programming and assist in ongoing program improvement.

5. Monitor program resources and supplies, order materials and maintain inventory necessary to support Child Life programming and therapeutic activities.

6. Responsible for patient safety and the day-to-day operation of therapeutic programming, developmentally appropriate interventions, therapeutic play, and preparation activities that support pediatric patients and families.

7. Provide Child Life support across pediatric care areas including pediatric inpatient units, pediatric outpatient clinics, the Pediatric Emergency Department, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as needed.

8. Attend rounds as a member of interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with clinical staff to support the psychosocial and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families.

9. Support staff education and professional development and promote evidence-based Child Life practices.

10. Participate in in-service education and consultation with hospital staff regarding child development, coping strategies, and family-centered care.

11. Coordinate training, supervision, and evaluation of student interns within the Child Life program.

12. Receive, evaluate, and allocate donations and purchase materials that support Child Life programming and therapeutic activities.

13. Act as a resource for staff and families regarding child development, coping strategies, and the impact of hospitalization.

14. Order supplies, maintain inventory and program records, and support operational needs of the Child Life program.

15. Collaborate with hospital departments and outside groups to support Child Life activities, therapeutic programming, and patient centered events.

16. Meet with instructors and student groups, conduct tours, and provide educational information regarding the Child Life program.

17. Coordinate and supervise entertainment, special guests, and therapeutic activities that support pediatric patients during hospitalization.

18. Collaborate with facility dog handlers to incorporate animal assisted interventions that promote comfort, emotional support, coping, and developmentally appropriate engagement for pediatric patients and families across inpatient units, pediatric outpatient clinics, the Pediatric Emergency Department, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Physical Requirements:

1. Work in Inpatient and/or outpatient pediatric clinical care areas.

2. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-25 lbs.

3. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

4. Frequently communicates internally and externally; must be able to exchange accurate information via phone, email and/or in person.

5. Continuous exposure to sick patients and bodily substances.  Occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals.

6. Manual dexterity to type/write/record information into medical records.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Ability to apply understanding of child growth and development and the impact that medical experiences can have on this process.

2. Ability to work with infants, toddlers, preschool and school age children, and adolescents in developmentally appropriate ways.

3. Ability to read/write in English and communicate with an ability to communicate with empathy and compassion through spoken and written communication.

4. Knowledge necessary to provide care across the pediatric life span with consideration of developmental stages and family dynamics.

5. Ability to function effectively in busy clinical environments.

6. Strong organizational and time management skills.

7. Knowledge of continuous quality improvement processes.

8. Ability to accurately document patient interactions and interventions within the Epic electronic medical record (EMR).

9. Knowledge of family dynamics and the ability to work effectively within diverse family systems.

10. Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.

At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day.

The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals.

Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth—one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.

Pay Range: