Child Life Therapist, Cardiac, Level 3 - REQ623864

NSW Health; Council of the City of Sydney; On-site; AUD 116,000 - 121,000; Part time

Job summary

An Australian healthcare provider seeks a Play Therapist in Sydney to provide family-centred care for paediatric patients. The role requires a Bachelor in Education/Teaching, postgraduate skills in Child Life Therapy, and experience with young children. Key responsibilities include planning therapy services, supporting families, and collaborating within a multidisciplinary team. Competitive remuneration and benefits are available.

Benefits

Salary packaging for tax savings

Meal entertainment savings

Accrued Day Off (ADO)

Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Fitness Passport

Flexible Work Practice Opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years proven studies in Child Development.
• Postgraduate experience in Child Life Therapy.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary team settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide family centred clinical services to inpatients and outpatients.
• Utilise specialist knowledge for therapeutic and medical play.
• Support the growth and development of the department.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Child development knowledge

Experience with children 0-18yrs

Education

Bachelor of Education / Teaching or equivalent

Job description

Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Play Therapist Lvl 3
Remuneration: 116892 – 120680 - full time equivalent base salary range (excludes super, leave loading and salary packaging)
Hours Per Week: 16
Requisition ID: REQ623864
Location: Westmead
Application: Midnight on 5 December 2025

Sydney Children's Hospitals Network is the largest paediatric health care entity in Australia. We care for thousands of children each year in our hospitals and in their homes — with one purpose in mind — to help young people live their healthiest lives.

This role is designed to provide high quality Child Life Therapy service to the inpatient and outpatient paediatric cardiac cohort at The Children's Hospital Westmead. The role involves working closely with the cardiac multi-disciplinary team whilst also remaining embedded in the Child Life and Music Therapy team. We are looking for someone who brings experience as a Child Life Therapist working with complex paediatric patient cohorts with a strong focus on family centred practice and expertise in surgical education, preparation and procedural support, ideally with critical care experience.

What you'll be doing

The Child Life Therapist will provide family centred clinical services to inpatients and/or outpatients referred to Child Life Therapy.

The Child Life Therapist will utilise specialist knowledge to plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate therapeutic and medical play, procedural education & support, to reduce anxiety through teaching coping strategies and distraction, and to maintain and extend developmental milestones where possible.

The Level 3 Child Life Therapy will use their advanced professional knowledge and experience to support staff and to share in the growth and development of the department by:

• Planning, development and evaluation of child life therapy services.
• Development, implementation and evaluation of policies, procedures and practice guidelines for patient care.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• A bachelor of Education / Teaching (or a degree with a minimum of 2 years proven studies in Child Development plus education content)
• Postgraduate experience, skills and knowledge in Child Life Therapy provision, leadership and service development
• Experience working with children 0-18yrs – especially 0-8years
• Demonstrated high level communication and interpersonal skills, with proven success in multidisciplinary team settings.

How to Apply

Click 'Apply Online' and submit your application including:

• A résumé detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
• Answers to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

Additional Benefits (for eligible employees)

• Salary packaging for tax savings
• Meal entertainment savings
• Accrued Day Off (ADO) for Full Time employees
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fitness Passport
• Flexible Work Practice Opportunities

Need more information?

• Click here for the Position Description
• Find out more about applying for this position
• Learn more about The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network
• Aboriginal job applicants are encouraged to visit the NSW Health Aboriginal Recruitment tool, Stepping Up to assist in preparing your application.

Further Contacts and Support

For role related queries or questions contact Sarah Scott on [e-mail]

We recognise the value of Aboriginal staff providing health care to Aboriginal children and families that access the services we provide at the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. For Aboriginal candidates who would like to talk to SCHN's Aboriginal Workforce Consultant, please contact [e-mail]

For technical support please contact the customer services team on 1300 679 367.

Child Safe Standards

SCHN is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well‑being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Additional Information

Applicants will be assessed against the essential criteria the Position Description. Please ensure that you review this document to understand the full requirements of the role.

NSW Health is committed to accessibility

NSW Health is committed to accessibility and may provide adjustments to the recruitment and interview process as needed, including physical adjustments, interview setup, or scheduling needs.

SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Schn is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity - we acknowledge the vibrancy that a diverse workforce brings to enhance both our workplace culture and our service delivery to children, young people and their families and carers.

Employment of temporary visa holders

Employment of temporary visa holders is only considered if no suitable permanent resident or citizen is identified after labour market testing.

To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.

All workers must meet NSW Health’s vaccination and screening requirements

All workers must meet NSW Health’s vaccination and screening requirements before starting employment. See PD2024_15 for more detail.

This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children's Guardian

This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children's Guardian. For more information on how to apply for the clearance, please visit the Office of the Children's Guardian Website.

For roles that require formal qualifications

For roles that require formal qualifications, please note that overseas qualifications must be assessed by the Department of Education or the relevant authority appointed by the Australian Government for skilled migration purposes.

Eligibility List

An eligibility list may be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.

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