Adjunct Teaching - School of Family Life - SFL 359: Child Life in Healthcare Settings (Independent Study-University)

Job Title: Adjunct Teaching - School of Family Life - SFL 359: Child Life in Healthcare Settings (Independent Study-University)

Posting End Date:  September 22, 2026 

*NOTE: Last day to apply is Monday, September 21, 2026, at 11:59pm (MT)

Position Start Date: October 1, 2026

Required Degree: 

Master's or PhD is required in Human Development, Family Studies, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related field. Child Life Certification is also required.

The required degree must be completed by the start date. 

Experience: 

University-level teaching experience in Human Development, Family Studies, or Marriage and Family Therapy is preferred.

Duties/Expectations: 

Successful applicants will teach a 3-credit independent study class and/or day class to undergraduate students. Successful applicants should plan to be:

• Responsive to students

• Grading with substantive feedback within 7 days

• Comfortable with technology

• Imaginative about using online formats in new ways

• Passionate about connecting with students

• Organized and careful about time management

• Devoted to learning

• Attentive to details

• Excellent at oral and written communication

• Able to teach in different modalities

By the end of the semester students in this class should be able to:

• Identify the elements of child life practice in healthcare settings including a historical review of the profession and its development in the evolution of pediatric healthcare.

• Use developmental theory to assess the impact of illness, injury and healthcare experiences on children and families (including well siblings), to identify stressors, and to advocate for appropriate services that facilitate overall well-being.

• Explain key principles of patient and family centered care in relationship to child life practice.

• Compare both historical and current perspectives on the rationale for psychological preparation and therapeutic play as a means of supporting children through healthcare encounters and life-changing events.

• Describe the ways that child life specialists provide vital services to children and families that can impact individuals in positive ways for the rest of their lives.

• Describe and apply the code of ethics for the child life profession including the practices of beneficence, non-beneficence, respect for persons, autonomy, justice, veracity, fidelity, confidentiality and competence.

• Explain the importance of maintaining professional competence and staying current on best practices for children and their loved ones, describing how both are ongoing process and obligations for this profession.

• Demonstrate how being a devoted certified child life specialist requires following ethical standards which, when followed, are spiritually strengthening and build character.

• Explain the contents of the official documents of the Association for Child Life Professionals and Child Life Certification Commission (ACLP/CLCC) including: Child Life Standards of Clinical Practice, Child Life Code of Ethics and Academic Requirements for Child Life Certification.

• Discuss topics related to pediatric grief from death and loss.

Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter, and Mission Alignment Statement (instructions below) to the faculty application.

Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered. 

This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball).

If you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All employees are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrines of the affiliated church.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.