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Sanford

Child Life Specialist - Full Time - Sioux Falls

SD, Sioux Falls

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hirly's read of this role

Seniority
Mid level
Country
US
Work mode
On-site / unstated
First seen by hirly
30 Sept 2026

Derived automatically from the posting. Upload your resume above to see how the role scores against it.

the posting

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.



 Work Shift:

8 Hours - Varied Shifts (United States of America)

 Scheduled Weekly Hours:

35

 Compensation:

Salary Range: $24.00 - $33.00

$5,000 Sign-On bonus with a commitment!

 Union Position:

No

 Department Details

Child-Centered Environment: Sanford Children's Castle of Care provides a vibrant, colorful world where sick and injured children find inspiration, imagination, and play. This unique and welcoming environment contributes to the emotional well-being and healing of pediatric patients.

Multidisciplinary Team: You'll be part of a cohesive and diverse team that includes nurses, child life specialists, pharmacists, social workers, chaplains, dietitians, respiratory care professionals, therapists, and school teachers. Collaborative teamwork ensures the best possible care for young patients.

Community Impact: By joining the Sanford Children's team, you'll be making a significant impact on your community's health and the well-being of children and families. Your work will truly make a difference in the lives of young patients.

Summary

Develop, coordinate and implement the delivery of developmentally appropriate play activities, expressive arts, and special events for pediatric patients and their families within the health care setting, both at the bedside and in playroom settings.

Job Description

Serves as the child's advocate when collaborating with the healthcare team to determine suitable therapeutic interventions. Utilizes expert knowledge of child development, family systems theories, and the developmental effects of stress and trauma on children to establish appropriate interventions to alleviate distress. Promotes family-centered care and facilitates the strengthening of positive coping and resiliency skills within the healthcare setting. Provides ongoing assessment of interventions used. Provides oversight and direction for utilization of volunteers in Child Life department. Possesses expert knowledge of medical diagnosis and procedures. Understands special needs of children with chronic or disabling conditions, with expertise in the use of play activities in a health care environment and in-depth knowledge of research regarding children in health care settings.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development, or related field required. Completion of Child Life internship required.

Minimum two years experience working with various age groups of children is preferred. Experience working with pediatric population in a therapeutic setting desired.

Certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is required or must be obtained within one year of hire. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within six months of hire.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

Original posting on Sanford's site ↗

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