Child Life Specialist Clinical Leader **$5,000.00 sign on bonus**

Nationwide Children's Hospital

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Main Campus, Columbus, OH Until 8/23/2026 First posted April 2, 2026 Last posted April 2, 2026
Job description

Overview:


 


 

Job Description Summary:


 

Supports the coordination and implementation of child life resources and services to address the psychosocial, developmental, and physiological needs of children and their families. Provides supervision and management of child life team members.


 

Job Description:


 

Essential Functions:

  • Supervises a team of child life specialists, providing guidance and support and performing the responsibilities and competencies of the child life specialist as required.
  • Develops and implements programs, resources, and interventions to support the development of identified child life skills and meet the needs of patients and families.
  • Assists with coordinating resources and services to provide an environment supportive of families receiving care within Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
  • Participates in or leads the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of program staff members, professional students, and volunteers.
  • Oversees the management of operational and administrative tasks such as time-keeping, schedules, and data management and reporting.
  • Participates in quality improvement initiatives and research projects to advance the field of child life.

Education Requirement:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in child life, child development or related field, required.
  • Master’s Degree in related field, preferred.

Certifications:

Certification in Child Life (CCLS), required.

Skills:

  • Working knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practices, patient assessment, family systems and the psychosocial impact of hospitalization on children and families.
  • Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

Experience:

  • Five years of experience in child life programming in a hospital setting, preferred.
  • Experience in program planning, supervision of others, educational mentorship, and teaching, required.

Physical Requirements:

OCCASIONALLY: Lifting / Carrying: 0-10 lbs, Lifting / Carrying: 11-20 lbs, Standing

FREQUENTLY: Walking

CONTINUOUSLY: Audible speech, Computer skills, Decision Making, Hand use: grasping, gripping, turning, Hearing acuity, Interpreting Data, Peripheral vision, Problem solving, Repetitive hand/arm use, Seeing – Far/near, Sitting


 


 

"The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individuals so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision. EOE M/F/Disability/Vet"

About this role

Summary

Leads and supervises child life team, develops programs, manages resources, and participates in research.

Job title

Child Life Specialist Clinical Leader

Experience level

5+ years

Industry

healthcare

Location requirements

Main campus in Columbus, OH, no remote work specified.

Salary

$5,000.00 sign on bonus

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

child life certificationsupervisionprogram planningcommunication

Preferred skills

master's degreeresearch

Specializations

child developmentpatient assessmentfamily systemsprogram planning
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Columbus, OH, USA

On-site City