Marshall Health Network·Huntington, West Virginia
The Child Life Specialist provides psychosocial support, education, and play therapy to pediatric patients and their families. They act as a liaison between parents and healthcare professionals across various specialized units within the hospital.
Located in Huntington, West Virginia, the Hoops Family Children’s Hospital (HFCH) is a 72-bed children’s hospital located on the fifth floor of Cabell Huntington Hospital. HFCH is a member of the Children’s Hospital Association [https://www.childrenshospitals.org/] and includes a 36-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a 25-bed General Pediatrics Unit, a 10-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and a Neonatal Therapeutic Unit.
We are a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, have a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Infusion Center, a Pediatric Craniofacial Clinic, a Neonatal Therapeutic Unit (NTU) for infants born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), and a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to support children who have experienced abuse.
The Child Life Specialist will promote family centered care and meet the psychosocial needs of patients and families by providing education, preparation, procedural support, psychosocially supportive interventions, play therapy, and to serve as a liaison between parents and professionals of all disciplines within the facility as well as throughout the community.
• No previous experience is required
A bachelor's degree is required, and candidates must have completed or be currently enrolled in an official child life internship. Professional certification through the Child Life Council must be obtained within one year of employment.
Market context
Child Life Specialist openings in West Virginia typically reflect steady demand in hospitals and pediatric care settings, where teams look for candidates who can support children and families during medical treatment. This role is competitive because employers usually want a bachelor’s degree, an official child life internship completed or in progress, and certification within one year. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your internship status and certification timeline before applying.
