*Qualified candidates are eligible for a $2500 sign-on bonus!  

Are you passionate about supporting children and families through their healthcare journeys? Do you have the skills and heart to make a positive impact during challenging times? If so, we invite you to join our dedicated team!

Gundersen Health System is looking for a full time, Child Life Specialist to join our team! We are committed to providing exceptional care and emotional support to children and their families. Our mission is to create a comforting and educational environment that helps children navigate their healthcare experiences with confidence and resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide child life services primarily in the inpatient and emergency service setting. 
   
• Provide emotional support to children and families during medical procedures and hospital stays.
   
• Develop and implement therapeutic play activities to help children cope with their healthcare experiences.
   
• Educate children and families about medical procedures and treatments in a child-friendly manner.
   
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to create a supportive and nurturing environment.
   
• Advocate for the needs of children and families within the healthcare setting.

What Will You Need?

• Bachelor’s degree in child life or a related field
   
• Completion of an ACLP (Association of Child life Professionals) approved child life internship.
   
• Child life certification within one year of hire
   
• 2 years’ experience working with children (preferably in a medical setting)

What is Available?

• 0.9 FTE; 72 hours every 2 weeks.
   
• Schedule: Primarily Emergency Services shift:  Currently 1:30-10:00pm
   
• Work approximately every third weekend (inpatient and emergency services)
   
• Location: La Crosse, WI Main Campus

In addition to the rewarding work, you'll receive:

• *$2500 sign-on bonus - paid out after 6 months of employment within the role
   
• Relocation Assistance to help offset the cost of relocating to La Crosse, WI
   
• A positive work environment with an inclusive team committed to collective growth.
   
• Opportunity to ensure highest quality of pediatric care is delivered “close to home”.
   
• A balance of a primary unit and yet still get a variety of experience providing child life services in multiple settings. 
   
• Top-rated retirement and healthcare benefits
   
• Support to grow your career with access to our Career Development Center and Tuition Reimbursement Program
   
• Connection to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

If you are looking to be a part of a stable and growing mission-driven organization, this may be the right opportunity for you!

Education and Learning:

REQUIRED

Bachelor's degree in a related field Official approval of courses from the Child Life Council and completed 480-hour child life internship.

DESIRED

Bachelor's degree in Child Life

Work Experience:

REQUIRED 2 years experience in a Pediatric medical setting.

DESIRED 2 years experience as a Child Life Specialist in a Children's Medical Center.

License and Certifications:

REQUIRED Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) within one year of hire date

DESIRED Current Infant-Adult Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (with hands on learning) from one of the following programs; American Heart Association or American Red Cross.