Jobloria
Child Life Specialist
The University Of California
Location : Oakland, CA, 94612
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $37.57 - $50.78
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Child Life Specialist - Facility Dog Handler
Job Summary
The Child Life Specialist I, in collaboration with members of the health care team, promotes optimum growth and development of pediatric patients and their families by creating a therapeutic environment which minimizes psychological trauma and promotes mastery of health care experiences. Provides opportunities for expression of feelings through individual and group therapeutic play. Plans interventions in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team. Provides developmentally appropriate education for children and adolescents prior to medical procedures with materials and language that are age appropriate. Additionally, the CLS prepares patients for hospital experiences and provides support as appropriate. The CLS supports the family system and facilitates positive coping. Coordinates programming and special events for pediatric patients and their families in Child Life programming spaces. Provides orientation and supervision for Child Life interns and volunteers. Works under the supervision of the Child Life Manager. No supervision over other staff exercised.
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 $37.57 - $50.78 (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
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, child life specialists and creative arts therapists strive to create positive health care experiences for children, youths, and families. Families often have questions about how to make sure their kids feel ready for a procedure or a stay in the hospital. The mission of our Child Life Services department is to help children and other family members prepare for and cope with these experiences. Our team of certified child life specialists, music therapists, art therapists, educators, and parent liaisons is trained in child and family development and understands the specific needs of children, teens, and families in the hospital. Through support, play, and education, we collaborate with parents and other caregivers to ensure a friendly and comfortable medical environment for each child.Services
We provide a range of services to meet the individual needs of each family, including:
- Support, education, and developmental guidance for parents and other caregivers
- Preparing children for medical procedures, using age-specific teaching tools, such as dolls, pictures and medical equipment
- Support for children and their families during medical procedures, using techniques such as imagery and distraction to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
- Therapeutic play before, during, or after medical experiences
- Opportunities to be creative, socialize, and learn for children of all ages, including infants and teens
Required Qualifications
- 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.
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
Preferred Qualifications
- Child Life, Child Development or a related field, master’s degree preferred.
- One year of paid experience preferred, but not required.
- Experience with medically complex patients preferred.
License/Certification
Proof of eligibility for Child Life certification is required, certification preferred. Must be certified within 18 months of hire.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 atdiversity.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.
Job Code and Payroll Title
007873 CHILD LIFE SPEC 1 EX
Job Category
Allied Health, Social Work and Psychology, Support Services
Bargaining Unit
University Professional and Technical Employees - Health Care Professionals Unit (UPTE-HX)
Campus
Benioff Children's Hospital
Additional Shift Details
Monday - Friday
Freqently Asked Questions
In Oakland, Child Life Specialist certification by the Association of Child Life Professionals is highly regarded, especially for positions like the one at The University of California. Employers often expect certification within 18 months of hire, reflecting regional standards emphasizing professional credentials.
Oakland shows steady demand for Child Life Specialists due to its comprehensive pediatric healthcare facilities like UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Compared to larger hubs like Los Angeles, Oakland offers competitive opportunities with a collaborative work culture focused on family-centered care.
Success in Oakland’s pediatric care settings involves mastering therapeutic play, procedural support, and family coping strategies. Familiarity with medically complex patients and strong interdisciplinary communication are critical, reflecting the complexity of cases seen at UCSF and similar hospitals.
Child Life Specialists at The University of California benefit from structured professional development, mentorship, and opportunities to lead child life programming. Advancement can include supervisory roles, specialization in complex pediatric cases, and involvement in interdisciplinary research projects.
Yes, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital offers internships that provide hands-on experience under certified specialists. These practicum opportunities are crucial for fulfilling certification requirements and allow candidates to engage deeply with therapeutic interventions and family support in a hospital setting.
At The University of California, Child Life Specialists experience a unique blend of advanced research, culturally competent care, and a mission-driven environment. The emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion shapes a supportive workplace culture uncommon in many traditional healthcare settings.
Child Life Specialists at UCSF in Oakland earn between $37.57 and $50.78 per hour, reflecting the region’s healthcare standards and the specialized nature of pediatric care. This competitive pay scale is aligned with qualifications, experience, and union agreements.
Job availability near Oakland is influenced by the presence of renowned pediatric hospitals like UCSF, regional healthcare funding, and community demand for specialized child development support. Proximity to San Francisco also broadens access to diverse healthcare roles in this metro area.
Daily challenges include managing emotional stress of young patients and families, adapting therapeutic play to diverse developmental stages, and coordinating care across interdisciplinary teams. Specialists must be skilled at creating trust and easing anxiety during medical procedures.
Experience with medically complex pediatric patients is preferred as it equips Child Life Specialists to tailor interventions effectively. UCSF values this background to enhance patient coping, making it a significant asset for candidates seeking roles in specialized child life services.
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