Child Life Specialist

Job Overview

Children facing medical challenges need more than just clinical care. They need someone who can translate the scary stuff into something they can understand and cope with. That's the core of this Child Life Specialist role in Savannah, GA. You'll work in a hospital or healthcare setting, using play, preparation, and education to help kids and their families navigate treatment. It's a role that demands genuine warmth, a steady nerve, and a deep understanding of child development.

Duties & Responsibilities / JobXi / Savannah, GA

• Prepare children for medical procedures ; You'll use developmentally appropriate language, dolls, and medical play to explain what's about to happen. This reduces anxiety and builds trust.
• Provide emotional support during procedures ; When a child is scared, you're there with distraction techniques, comfort positioning, and a calm presence. You don't shy away from the hard moments.
• Facilitate therapeutic play sessions ; This isn't just fun and games. Play helps kids process their experiences, express feelings, and regain a sense of control in a setting where they have very little.
• Collaborate with the medical team ; You'll advocate for a child's emotional needs during rounds, helping doctors and nurses understand how their approach impacts a young patient.
• Support siblings and parents ; Illness affects the whole family. You'll offer guidance, teach coping strategies, and sometimes just listen. It's a big part of the job.
• Document interactions and outcomes ; You'll keep clear records of your sessions and assessments for the child's medical chart.

Requirements / JobXi / Savannah, GA

You need a bachelor's degree in child life, child development, or a closely related field. A master's degree is a plus but isn't required to start. You must hold or be eligible for the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential through the Association of Child Life Professionals. A completed child life internship of 600 hours is non negotiable.

You're comfortable working in a hospital environment where things can shift fast. You'll encounter patients from infancy through adolescence, so you need to adapt your approach on the fly. Some days are physically demanding ; you'll be on your feet, moving between units, carrying supplies. Emotional stamina matters here. You'll sit with grief and uncertainty, but you'll also witness incredible resilience.

You speak another language? That's often a big asset in Savannah, GA.

What It's Like in This Role / JobXi / Savannah, GA

You're not locked in one spot. You'll move between patient rooms, the playroom, the emergency department, and sometimes the ICU. Each day has its own rhythm. You might start the morning prepping a toddler for an MRI, spend lunch coaching a parent on distraction techniques, and finish the afternoon with a teen who just needs someone to talk to.

The team around you includes nurses, doctors, social workers, and other specialists. They'll rely on your insight into a child's emotional state. You'll use electronic health records to log your work, and you'll have a stash of toys, art supplies, and medical play equipment at your disposal. Shifts vary ; some roles are straight weekday work, others include weekends or evenings depending on the facility's needs.

Why You'll Like This Opportunity

This isn't a desk job. You'll see the direct impact of your work every single shift. Hospitals in Savannah, GA are investing more in family centered care, which means your role is valued and supported. You'll have chances to specialize ; maybe in oncology, the emergency department, or the NICU. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement if you want to pursue further certifications. And because you're not tied to one company through this listing, you can explore different types of healthcare settings, from large children's hospitals to community based clinics.

Schedule & Work Type

Most positions in Savannah, GA are full time, but part time and per diem roles do pop up. Expect to work onsite ; this isn't a remote job. Shifts often align with hospital hours, which can include weekends, holidays, or overnight on call rotations depending on the employer. Some roles offer a standard Monday through Friday schedule in outpatient settings.

How to Apply

Click the Apply Now button to go directly to the employer's application page. If no direct link is available, you'll see similar active listings for Child Life Specialist roles in Savannah, GA. Make sure your application includes details about your internship and certification status.

Disclaimer

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Equal Opportunity

Employers posting on JobXi are committed to hiring without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.