Employer: Essentia Health
Location: Duluth, MN
Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Compensation: $28.40 – $42.60 per hour

Position Overview

Essentia Health is seeking a Child Life Program Manager to provide leadership, program development, and coordination for pediatric patient and family support services. This role focuses on improving children’s healthcare experiences by reducing stress and trauma, promoting healthy development, and supporting families through medical care journeys. The Program Manager serves as a key liaison between healthcare teams, community partners, donors, volunteers, and families while leading strategic growth and enhancement of the Child Life Program. This position combines program management, patient advocacy, community engagement, volunteer coordination, and evidence-based child development practices to improve pediatric care outcomes.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Therapeutic Recreation
  • Child Life
  • Family or Child Development
  • Counseling
  • Child Psychology
  • Education
  • Social Work
  • Related field
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience
• Experience working with children and families in healthcare or related settings
• Child Life Professional Certification (or ability to obtain within 6–12 months)
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification (or ability to obtain within 3 months)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an acute care children’s hospital or pediatric healthcare setting
• Program development and strategic planning experience
• Volunteer management experience
• Community partnership and donor relations experience
• Knowledge of evidence-based child development practices
• Experience analyzing program data and outcomes
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Development

• Lead strategic planning and growth of the Child Life Program
• Develop and enhance pediatric support services
• Research and implement evidence-based practices
• Analyze data and recommend outreach priorities
• Cultivate resources and support program sustainability

Patient & Family Support

• Assess patient and family needs
• Plan and implement child life interventions
• Promote coping, learning, self-expression, and emotional well-being
• Support family involvement during healthcare experiences
• Advocate for children and families in inpatient and outpatient settings

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Manage donor relationships and program donations
• Coordinate community partnerships and outreach initiatives
• Serve as a liaison between healthcare teams and external partners
• Support resource development efforts

Volunteer & Consultation Services

• Coordinate volunteers in pediatric patient care areas
• Provide consultative support across Essentia Health departments
• Evaluate facilities, materials, and processes for developmental appropriateness
• Recommend improvements that enhance pediatric care experiences

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options
• Paid time off
• Employee wellness resources
• Continuing education support

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