Child Life Program Manager

Paradox

Paradox

Operations

Duluth, MN, USA

Posted on May 1, 2026

Building Location:

Building B - St Marys Medical Center

Department:

2005290 CHILDRENS HOSPITAL - SMMC HOSP

Job Description:

The Child Life Program Manager is responsible for providing leadership, program development and coordination of patient and caregiver education and support programs. Acts as a primary liaison between healthcare teams and key community and internal partners. This position requires the knowledge of and ability to research evidence-based practices for child development and health experiences, and to analyze and interpret data to make recommendations about areas of focus for outreach efforts.

Education Qualifications:

Key Responsibilities:

  • Promotes the continuous development of children to optimize their responses to medical care, to minimize psychological stress and trauma, and to increase understanding and coping with illness and health care experiences
  • Assesses patients and families with the goal of planning interventions
  • Provides children with opportunities for gaining a sense of mastery, for play, for learning, for self-expression, for family involvement and for peer interaction
  • Advocates for children and families in ambulatory and inpatient settings
  • Manages donor donations, including identifying program needs, coordinating donation utilization, and maintaining positive donor relationships
  • Leads efforts to build, expand, and enhance the Child Life Program through strategic planning, program development, and resource cultivation
  • Provides consultative support to all Essentia departments including evaluation of developmentally sensitive facilities, materials and processes
  • Coordinates and oversees volunteers’ activities during volunteers' time in pediatric patient care areas

Education Requirement:

  • Bachelor’s degree with a preference in therapeutic recreation, child life, family or child development, counseling, child psychology, education, social work or related field

Required Qualifications:

  • 3 years of related experience, preferably in an acute care children’s facility

Licensure/Certification Qualifications:

  • Child Life Professional Certification or ability to obtain within 6-12 months. Must maintain certification
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification required or ability to obtain within 3 months

FTE:

1

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

Shift Rotation:

Day Rotation (United States of America)

Shift Start Time:

Shift End Time:

Weekends:

Holidays:

No

Call Obligation:

No

Union:

Union Posting Deadline:

Compensation Range:

$28.40 - $42.60Employee Benefits at Essentia Health:
At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.