Child Life Specialist

Alberta Health Services; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Canada is seeking a Child Life Specialist to lead developmental activities and therapeutic play programs aimed at enhancing the emotional and physical growth of children. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and certification as a Child Life Specialist. Responsibilities include preparing children for medical procedures and facilitating supportive experiences during their hospital stay.

Qualifications

• Completion of bachelor's degree in Child Life, Education, Psychology or other related field.
• Certified Child Life Specialist - completion of the Child Life Professional Certification Exam.
• Acute Care Pediatric experience.
• Prior experience working with children and adolescents (0-17 years old).

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate developmental activities for children.
• Provide therapeutic play programs to reduce stress and promote development.
• Prepare children for medical procedures through play and coping strategies.

Skills

Therapeutic play programs

Child development assessment

Coping strategies

Group settings involvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Education, Psychology or related field

Certified Child Life Specialist

Job description

Your Opportunity

As a Child Life Specialist, you will plan, develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate developmental and normalization activities including therapeutic play programs in order to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of children and adolescents. You will assess, research, plan, implement and evaluate appropriate play and developmental activities/interventions for children and families (both individual and in group settings). You will provide therapeutic play programs designed to reduce stress, help clients cope with hospitalization, promote development and independence. You will help prepare children for diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures through hospital play, demonstrations and discussions and introduce coping strategies and techniques to assist children and families during procedures. You will also provide diversion experiences and facilitate special events.

Description

As a Child Life Specialist, you will plan, develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate developmental and normalization activities including therapeutic play programs in order to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of children and adolescents. You will assess, research, plan, implement and evaluate appropriate play and developmental activities/interventions for children and families (both individual and in group settings). You will provide therapeutic play programs designed to reduce stress, help clients cope with hospitalization, promote development and independence. You will help prepare children for diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures through hospital play, demonstrations and discussions and introduce coping strategies and techniques to assist children and families during procedures. You will also provide diversion experiences and facilitate special events.

Classification and Details

• Classification: Child Life Specialist
• Union: HSAA Facility PROF/TECH
• Unit and Program: Child Life Services
• Primary Location: Stollery Children's Hospital
• Location Details: As Per Location
• Multi-Site: Not Applicable
• FTE: 1.00
• Posting End Date: 17-NOV-2025
• Temporary Employee Class: Temp F/T Benefits
• Date Available: 01-DEC-2025
• Temporary End Date: 02-SEP-2026
• Hours per Shift: 7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks: 2
• Shifts per cycle: 10
• Shift Pattern: Days, Evening
• Days Off: Saturday/Sunday
• Minimum Salary: $37.35
• Maximum Salary: $49.73
• Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable

Required Qualifications

Completion of bachelor's degree in Child Life, Education, Psychology or other related field.

Additional Required Qualifications

Completion of bachelor's degree in Child Life, Education, Psychology or other related field. Certified Child Life Specialist - completion of Child Life Professional Certification Exam. Acute Care Pediatric experience. Prior experience working with children and adolescents (0-17 years old).

Preferred Qualifications

As Required.