Recreational Therapy Specialist/Child Life Specialist

Job Description

About the Company

Stony Brook Medicine is a healthcare institution committed to superior patient care and a high standard of excellence. It operates Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. The institution emphasizes diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment, ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other protected classes. Stony Brook Medicine is a smoke-free environment, with smoking strictly prohibited anywhere on campus, including parking lots and outdoor areas. It offers a comprehensive total compensation package beyond just salary, including generous leave, health plans, and state pension. The University is committed to excellence in diversity and provides accommodations for disability-related needs.

Job Description (Detailed)

This document outlines the job of a Recreational Therapy Specialist/Child Life Specialist at Stony Brook Medicine.

Position Summary:
The Recreational Therapy Specialist/Child Life Specialist is a crucial team member responsible for providing quality child life services to children and families in assigned areas throughout Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. This role also involves delivering clinical services to the patient population. Candidates must demonstrate superior patient care and possess outstanding communication skills while upholding the institution’s high standards.

Duties of a Child Life Specialist (but not limited to):
• Assist children in developing coping skills through play, recreation, and art.
• Collaborate with child life staff to develop and implement new and effective programming.
• Work with healthcare team members to identify current patient needs and formulate care plan goals.
• Support the child life team in supervising volunteers and facilitating daily playroom activities.
• Conduct in-services and training sessions for hospital staff, students, and volunteers.
• Cross-train across all units covered by child life specialists.

Qualifications:

• Required Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or a related field.
• Internship: Completion of a Child Life Council Accredited 480-hour internship in Child Life or an internship in Creative Arts Therapy within a hospital setting.
• Certification/Licensure: Certified by the Child Life Certifying Committee within one year of hire OR LCAT (Licensed Creative Arts Therapist) within one year of hire.
• Availability: Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience: Minimum of three years of employment as a Child Life Specialist.
• Education: Master’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Creative Arts Therapy, or a related field.
• Dual Certification: Dual Certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and Creative Arts Therapy (LCAT).

Special Notes and Application Process:
• A Resume/CV must be included with the online application.
• The position will remain posted until filled or for a maximum of 90 days.
• An initial review of applicants will occur two weeks from the posting date (May 29, 2025). For full consideration, applications should be received before this initial review date.
• If no candidate is selected after the initial review, additional applications will be considered, but the posting will close once a finalist is identified, and at minimum, two weeks after the initial posting date.
• If no candidate is identified and hired within 90 days from the initial posting, the posting will close and may be reposted later.

Additional Job Information:
• Environment: Stony Brook Medicine is a smoke-free environment.
• Flexibility: All hospital positions may be subject to changes in pass days and shifts as necessary.
• Safety: This position may require the wearing of respiratory protection, which may prohibit the wearing of facial hair.
• Essential Personnel: This function/position may be designated as “essential,” meaning employees may be required to report to or remain at work during institutional emergencies.

Pre-Employment Requirements (Prior to Start Date):
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and medical clearance from Stony Brook Medicine’s Employee Health Services.
• Completion of an electronic reference check with a minimum of three professional references.
• Successful completion of a 4-panel drug screen.
• Meeting Regulatory Requirements for pre-employment screenings.
• Providing a copy of any required New York State license(s)/certificate(s).
• Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a delayed start date or revocation of the employment offer. The hiring department will cover any examination fees.

Compensation and Logistics:
• Anticipated Pay Range (Hiring Range): $28 – $35 per hour. The specific salary offer will be based on the candidate’s validated years of comparable experience. Misrepresentation of experience may lead to disqualification or termination.
• Official Job Title: TH Recreational Therapy Specialist
• Job Field: Pediatrics
• Primary Location: US-NY-Stony Brook
• Department/Hiring Area: Child Life
• Schedule: Per Diem
• Posting Start Date: May 29, 2025
• Posting End Date: August 27, 2025, 11:59:00 PM
• Salary Grade: SL3
• SBU Area: Stony Brook University Hospital