Bilingual Child Life Assistant

ChicagoCAC employees are expected to perform their job duties and act in a manner consistent with the Core Values of the organization.  

Responsibility Summary 

Provide a developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed environment to all children, ensuring their physical safety and emotional well-being.  

DEI&AB Culture Commitment: The BCLA is responsible for creating an inclusive environment that demonstrates equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging to our clients, ChicagoCAC employees, and partners. The position also assists in ChicagoCAC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging (DEIAB) initiatives. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Provide a range of developmentally appropriate and culturally competent play materials and activities that normalize the environment and encourage positive coping skills.
• Prepare children for their appointments while meeting their developmental, emotional, and educational needs.
• Provide guidance and assistance to families throughout their visit to the center. 
• Observe child behavior and emotional responses, providing behavioral intervention and support as needed, as directed by child life specialists.
• Facilitate child-directed play and socialization with other children.
• Build rapport with children and families and develop positive relationships with returning families. 
• Communicate significant information obtained from the child to the appropriate team member; communicate behavioral changes or concerns to therapist
• Contact the appropriate staff member in crisis situations.
• Arrange for provision of food and/or comforting items to children receiving child life services.
• Enter child life data into the electronic case tracking system.
• Sort and organize donations as well as fulfil requests as they arise.
• Take inventory of child life materials and food and order items as necessary.
• Participate in local networking and training opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Discretion 

Child Life Assistants have a low-level range of discretion and independent decision-making. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

This position does not supervise any other position, but does provide guidance and support to child life students and volunteers. 

Relationships 

Child Life Assistants work closely with the Child Life Manager, Child Life Specialist, Support Services, Mental Health, Advocacy, and Forensic Interviewing teams. 

Qualifications  

• Minimum educational requirement of an associate’s degree in a child development, family studies, or human services field.
• General knowledge and understanding of typical and atypical growth and development in children and adolescents.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working with children of all ages and backgrounds. 
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) 
• CPR Certification preferred.

This is a part-time, temporary position anticipated to begin in mid-October 2026 and ending on April 23, 2027. This position is established for a defined, limited duration and will not be extended beyond April 23, 2027. Candidates should apply with the understanding that employment in this role will conclude on that date.

In addition to making a significant impact on children’s and families’ lives, ChicagoCAC offers amazing benefits for our staff, which include:

• BCBS HMO and PPO healthcare coverage options with an opportunity to add family members to plans. 
• Free life insurance at 2x your salary up to a maximum of $200,000.  
• Additional pay of 5% of your salary up to $3,750 per year (available after 6 months of employment) to use towards a menu of benefits such as: additional health benefits, dental, vision, long-term disability short-term disability, 403b plan, a Roth option, legal coverage, dependent care, and flexible spending. 
• Paid Time Off (“PTO”): PTO starts accruing the first day of employment and accrues at a rate of 35 days in a 12-month period.  
• PTO days are used for all days off, including holidays and sick time so you have maximum flexibility in the use of your PTO.  
• Timing of vacations may be dependent on client needs, as that’s our first priority.  
• PTO goes up to 40 days after 5 years.  
• Additional PTO for FMLA-related reasons up to 20 days. 
• A remote work policy that provides flexibility in work hours so long as operational needs are met.  
• Regular expert training on evidence-based therapy modalities, which includes being able to earn Continuing Education Units.  
• Casual dress code
• Enjoy afternoon milk and cookies every Friday! 
   
  If you share our passion for providing hope and healing to children and families who have experienced abuse and trauma, and possess the qualifications we’re looking for, please submit an application!  

ChicagoCAC’s Compensation Philosophy: 

We are committed to fair compensation, aligned with Chicago market rates. Our salary scale reflects our values, business strategy, and financial goals. Based on funding and internal equity, the starting salary for this position may fall between the minimum and midpoint of the listed range.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:  
ChicagoCAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer: BIPOC, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.  
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.    
 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact our People & Culture Department at (312) 492-3700.

Salary commensurate with experience.