The Child Life Specialist (CLS) uses their knowledge of child development and the psychosocial effects of illness and hospitalization on children to support children and their families who are impacted by acute, chronic, and terminal illness and provides support to grieving children in the Children’s Bereavement Program. Works to promote continuous development of children to optimize their response to medical care, to minimize psychological stress and trauma and increase understanding and coping with illness and health care experiences.

The Elizabeth Hospice is San Diego’s oldest non-profit hospice of 45 years.  We are growing and looking for talented individuals to join our high performing team and support our mission.  We serve all of San Diego county and south Riverside county with multiple hospice office locations.  

Our Mission:  To enhance the quality of life for those nearing the end of life’s journey and for those who grieve.

Work Schedule: varies, need applicant to have availablility for shifts Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Salary: $40-$45 hourly  Subject to experience and qualifications.

Work Location: San Diego, CA (need to be able to work in entire service area which includes all of San Diego County and South Riverside County)

Travel: Required for patient visits

1. Facilitate developmentally appropriate interventions to minimize trauma and increase understanding of a medical diagnosis through treatment plans using play, education, preparation, and therapeutic activities that promote growth and development.
2. Support children and their families by using a variety of individualized techniques to help them better understand a process, procedure, or other element of their medical experience.
3. Provide opportunities for legacy building, memory making, education and emotional support to help children and families through the grieving process.
4. Assist families in resolving conflicts that come up during illness and provide age-appropriate support to siblings when their brother or sister is sick.
5. Use therapeutic play techniques such as art, music, exercise, and other types of play to allow children to express how they feel about their situation and learn healthy coping strategies.
6. Offering families advice and education on helping their children through a medical situation.  
7. Explain treatment plans and answer questions using age-appropriate techniques.
8. Assist families with planning events such as holiday or birthday parties to support families in maintaining connections with one another and supporting their child through their illness.
9. Advocates for the special needs of children and their families.
10. Ensures the child stays on track developmentally during their hospital stay or illness.
11. Facilitate Peer Support Groups and School-based groups for children ages 3 to 17.
12. Present professional trainings on children’s grief.
13. Assist with planning, organizing, and facilitating children’s grief camp, Camp Spero.
14. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate and manage care.
15. Completes required documentation in a timely manner using “point-of-care” electronic charting.
16. Provides education to the IDG on strategies and techniques to support children with illness in an effective, developmentally appropriate manner.

1. Current Child Life Specialist Certification from Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
2. Master’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or related field.
3. Healthcare experience preferred.
4. Windows computer skills in Word processing, data entry in clinical records system.
5. Current CPR certification.
6. Current negative TB skin test.
7. Current California driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required.

We place a high importance on our employees and reward staff in several ways such as:

• Competitive hospice industry compensation
• Benefits package with multiple plan offerings and generous employer contribution
• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer match
• Supportive work culture which encourages work life balance
• Substantial Paid Time Off, paid holidays & floating holiday
• Employee development program managed by in-house education department to support individualized orientation and professional growth needs.
• Tuition Reimbursement program
• Monthly mileage reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

 "The Elizabeth Hospice is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.”