Career Center

Pediatric Critical Care Units
San Antonio, TX

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

At University Health, every role is rewarding—because every patient matters. As the only Level I Trauma Center in the region and a nationally recognized academic institution, University Health provides advanced, compassionate care to some of the most vulnerable children and families in our community.

We are seeking a Child Life Specialist who is passionate about serving the underserved, thrives in critical care environments, and values integration with the healthcare team to support children through complex medical experiences.

Why Join University Health?

• Level I Trauma Center with high-acuity pediatric and critical care exposure
• Mission-driven organization focused on community involvement and access to care
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary care model with physicians, nurses, therapists, and social services
• Academic institution offering professional development and growth opportunities
• Deeply rewarding work supporting children and families during critical moments

Position Summary

The Child Life Specialist provides a therapeutic, developmentally supportive environment for hospitalized children, with a strong focus on critical care units. This role addresses the psychosocial and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families while supporting normalization, coping, and emotional resilience during illness, trauma, and medical procedures.

The specialist also plays a key role in education, advocacy, and supervision of volunteers and students supporting the Child Life Program.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Special Education, or related field required
• Completion of a Child Life internship
• One year of full-time experience in a Child Life program preferred
• Experience in pediatric critical care or acute care settings strongly valued

Certification

• Must be eligible for Child Life certification within six months of hire
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) preferred

Working at University Health

University Health is committed to improving the health of our community through compassionate care, education, and discovery. We proudly serve diverse and underserved populations and believe in treating every patient, family member, and colleague with dignity, respect, and professionalism.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are seeking a meaningful career where your expertise supports children and families during their most critical moments—and where your work truly matters—we invite you to apply.

https://pm.healthcaresource.com/cs/universityhealthsystem/#/job/56479

or send CV to arlena.jonas@uhtx.com

About UNIVERSITY HEALTH

University Health is the only locally owned health system in San Antonio. For more than 100 years, we’ve been here to heal, improve health, train the next generation of medical professionals, and ensure the people of San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas have access to high-quality and compassionate primary and advanced specialty care, close to home. University Health is a hub of innovation and discovery, helping to create tomorrow’s best practices today, as the region’s only academic health system. As a trauma-informed organization, University Health strives to create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where patients and staff are empowered to take part in their own wellbeing.

Connections working at UNIVERSITY HEALTH