Job Description

OverviewSupport children and families during their healthcare journey as a Child Life Specialist. In this role, you will provide individualized, age-appropriate therapeutic interventions to help reduce stress and promote coping during medical experiences. You’ll collaborate with the healthcare team, share observations, and advocate for patients and families using a family-centered care approach. Serving as a trusted resource on child development and psychosocial needs, you will help strengthen emotional well-being and enhance the overall care experience. Why UnityPoint Health?At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members. Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:     Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program. Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members. Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family. With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.ResponsibilitiesProvide therapeutic play, preparation, and medical education to help children and families understand procedures, reduce anxiety, and promote positive coping in the hospital environment. Create safe, engaging play spaces that support normalization, healthy development, and emotional well-being while fostering trusting relationships with patients and families. Serve as a resource on child development and healthcare experiences, using a family-centered approach that addresses physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs. Collaborate with the care team to assess, plan, and implement patient-centered interventions. Support education for staff, students, volunteers, patients, and families, and work closely with volunteers to deliver meaningful child-focused programming. Collect and document program data, support compliance standards, and contribute to continuous improvement in patient experience and service quality. Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment while demonstrating accountability in the use of resources. Support patient and workplace safety by following infection prevention and safety standards. Contribute to team success through reliable attendance, professionalism, ongoing skill development, and a commitment to high-quality care and service excellence. QualificationsEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Child Life or closely related field required. Has completed a Child Life Internship; may be considered after completion of internship and candidate is able to become certified. Experience: Experience in field is preferred. License(s)/Certification(s): Certified Child Life Specialist required. Basic Life Support (BCLS) required. IA Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training in state(s) where providing care  required within 30 days of hire. IL Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training in state(s) where providing care  required within 30 days of hire. IA Adult Dependent Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training in state(s) where providing care required within 30 days of hire. IL Adult Dependent Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training in state(s) where providing care required within 30 days of hire. Job SummaryRequisition ID: 2026-186920Category: TherapyLocation: US-IA-Des MoinesAddress: 1200 Pleasant StAffiliate: 3020 UnityPoint Health Des MoinesCity: Des MoinesDepartment: Child Life- MethState: IAFTE: 1.0FLSA: Non-ExemptScheduled Hours/Shift: Mon-Fri; 8:00am-4:30pmWork Remotely within the US: NoWork Type (Portal Searching): Full Time Benefits

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