Child Life Resident, Summer 2026

SHIFT:

Seeking Breakthrough Makers

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.

At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care-and your career.

CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means.

A Brief Overview
Responsible for supervised involvement in the planning and implementation of a developmentally and emotionally supportive program for children and adolescents. The student will be expected to incorporate play, emotional support, health care education, and family involvement in order to enhance the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being of children and families in the health care setting.

Summer 2026: May 11-August 28, 2026 (Application Deadline: January 3, 2026)

What you will do

• Patient/Family Assessment and Interdisciplinary Care:
• Accurately assesses, individualizes, and evaluates plan of care based on family/patient physical, developmental, emotional and recreational needs.
• Communicates plan to interdisciplinary team members and family.
• Collaborates with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to provide optimal care and services.
• Coordinates care with department co-workers including Child Activity Coordinators, Creative Art Therapists, and Teachers.
• Clinical Interventions:
• Provides developmentally-appropriate education, procedural preparation, and support to infants, preschoolers, children, and adolescents as it relates to their illness and medical treatment.
• Assists patients and family members in coping with the stresses associated with health care experiences.
• Plans and implements developmentally-appropriate individual and/or group activities for infants, preschoolers, children, and adolescents to promote self-awareness, self-expression, understanding, development, normalization, and mastery.
• Recognizes and addresses the importance of play and recreation in facilitating the child's mastery and coping with the health care experience.
• Provides a safe, developmentally appropriate environment and/or materials for patients and families.
• Family-Centered Care:
• Is committed to delivering child life services founded on the principles of Family-Centered Care: Dignity and Respect, Participation, Collaboration, and Information Sharing.
• Seeks involvement and support of family members in their child's plan of care, matching expectations with family needs and values.
• Advocates for opportunities for parents/caregivers to maintain their caregiver role.
• Documentation:
• Attends documentation in-service and demonstrates compliance with patient care documentation standards per departmental policy.
• Participates in departmental data collection, as directed.
• Professional Development:
• Provides training and supervision for volunteers.
• Attend formal weekly in-service trainings throughout semester/year.
• Complete assignments as outlined by the student program coordinator and/or student manual.

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED - Required
• Bachelor's Degree - Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Completed academic coursework requirements as outlined by Association of Child Life Professionals. (Required proficiency)
• Baseline knowledge of infant, child, and adolescent growth and development. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to perform work duties with support and guidance of supervisor, internship coordinator and other Child Life staff. (Required proficiency)
• Demonstrates customer service and communication skills. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to articulate factors influencing coping, as well as prioritize and complete duties in a timely and organized manner. (Required proficiency)
• Work collaboratively and in a positive manner with others. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to set goals and judge results in accordance with the highest standards. (Required proficiency)
• Provides care with sensitivity and respect. (Required proficiency)

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement

SALARY RANGE:

Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly.

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At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.