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Child Life Resident

Apply Job ID R-12689 Date posted 09/18/2025

If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!

We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.

Under close supervision, the Resident is responsible for providing child life interventions to patients and families. Performs assigned duties to demonstrate standards required for the Child Life Certification exam. Aids in the planning, implementing, and evaluating activities and interactions for patients and their families to support development, meet emotional needs and promote coping. Assists in guiding the psychosocial experience of patients and families during their medical experience. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.


Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.

A Brief Overview
Under close supervision, the Resident is responsible for providing child life interventions to patients and families. Performs assigned duties to demonstrate standards required for the Child Life Certification exam. Aids in the planning, implementing, and evaluating activities and interactions for patients and their families to support development, meet emotional needs and promote coping. Assists in guiding the psychosocial experience of patients and families during their medical experience. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

What you will do
  • Participates in learning modules and activities as a part of the Child Life Residency program.
  • Assesses, develops and implements appropriate individual treatment plans based on assessments of child’s development, medical plan and available support systems.
  • Under the guidance of a Child Life Specialist, facilitates a variety of individualized play interventions which promotes self healing, self expression, understanding and mastery.
  • Provides developmentally appropriate preparation and support for medical procedures.
  • Participates in therapeutic programs designed to meet the developmental, physical, emotional and social needs of pediatric patients. Plans activities and events to promote a child friendly environment that support growth and development.
  • Demonstrates initative in identifying opportunities for self development and enhancement of professional competencies.

Education/Formal Training Requirements
  • Child Life
  • Bachelor's Degree Child Life

Licenses and Certifications Requirements
  • AHA “Heartsaver” Certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of children's reactions and coping mechanisms in hospitalization and illness.
  • Exhibits and delivers strong communication skills with patients, families, volunteer staff and the health care team.
  • Proficient in the Microsoft Office program or programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and email.
  • Proficient in use of basic office equipment; multi-line phones; and data entry.
  • Possesses planning and organizational skills to manage activities for children of all ages.
  • Ability to learn and utilize computer applications and software.
  • Ability to resolve concerns/problems in a professional, tactful manner.
  • Ability to evaluate problematic situations and be able to adapt, respond to, and/or notify/advise appropriate staff in order to resolve the situation/issue.
  • Ability to provide a therapeutic and safe environment for individuals and groups.

Supervision Provided by this Position
  • There are no supervisory or lead responsibilities assigned to this job.

Physical Demands
  • The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
  • Must have good balance and coordination.
  • The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
  • The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
  • Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.

Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.


Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.

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