Child Life Specialist

Humber River Health; Toronto; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

Humber River Health in Toronto is seeking a Part-time Child Life Specialist to support children and families in the Paediatric Unit. You will deliver developmentally appropriate play, help reduce distress during procedures, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to promote normal growth and a positive hospital experience.

Requirements include a Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, at least 1 year in a hospital setting, and membership in the Association of Child Life

Qualifications

• Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum 1 year experience in a hospital setting working with infants, children, adolescents and families.
• Membership in Association of Child Life Professionals required.
• Demonstrates ability to work with an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates well both verbally and in a written form.
• Excellent interpersonal and empathic skills.
• Good organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize a varied workload.
• Willingness to preceptor and assist with professional development of the Child Life Specialist student.
• Excellent attendance and discipline free record required.
• An understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles as they relate to health practices is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team in the provision of Patient and Family Centered care by participating in the process of assessment, implementation, and evaluation of the plan of care.
• Observes children for levels of growth and development, and perform preliminary developmental assessments.
• Participates in interdisciplinary rounds/patient-care conferences.
• Acts as a resource to parents and hospital staff regarding growth and developmental, as well as psychosocial needs of children.
• Designs and implements appropriate play programs/other experiences for individual children and groups to promote normal growth and development.
• Implements all HRH Child Life Services including; Child Life Surgical Services, Child Life Paediatric Services, Child Life Bereavement Services, Child Life Emergency Services, Child Life Referrals, Child Life Community Services
• Assists in the preparation of children for medical or surgical procedures, and provides support to families as required, with the emphasis on pain management and therapeutic play.
• Maintains safety in the playroom, and ensures that child life equipment is used appropriately in the patients’ rooms.
• Assists in providing a pleasant and appropriate environment for children and families.
• Assists in public relation activities and special events relating to children in the Paediatric Unit or the Maternal & Child Program.

Skills

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Communication skills

Empathy

Patient-centered care

Education

Degree in Early Childhood Education

B.A. in Child Studies

Job description

Position Profile

Humber River Health. Tomorrow's Healthcare, Today.

Humber River Health is a multi-site organization serving a population of more than 850,000 people in the northwest Greater Toronto Area. The organization is a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN) and operates Hennick Humber Hospital, along with its Finch and Church campuses, supported by more than 5,000 employees, approximately 800 physicians, and over 600 volunteers.

Hennick Humber Hospital is North America’s first fully digital hospital. Through robotics and advanced technology, patients benefit from less pain, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays. A custom combination of technology and clinical expertise supports a reimagined model of care focused on safety, efficiency, and improved outcomes. Its digital ecosystem includes automated laboratory services, medication management robotics, electronic health records, a Command Centre, computerized physician order entry, bedside computer terminals, and surgical tracking systems that keep families informed in real time.

These innovations enhance communication, improve efficiency, and create a more connected experience for patients and families.

This transformation has been made possible through the dedication of Humber’s staff, physicians, and volunteers. Together, they are united by a shared belief: the power to transform healthcare through innovation, collaboration, and excellence. With strong teams and a commitment to continuous improvement, Humber River Health continues to deliver Tomorrow’s Healthcare, Today.

Join our Paediatrics team of Child Life Specialists as we work together to improve patient outcomes here at Humber River Health.

Child Life Specialists support children with developmentally appropriate strategies for pain management and anxiety reduction. As an expert in Child development, the Child Life Specialist endeavours to keep life as normal as possible for the child within the healthcare setting. Effective coping through play, self-expression and age appropriate activities are promoted to meet each child’s unique needs.At Humber River Health the Allied Health team plays a pivotal role delivering diagnostic, technical, supportive and therapeutic patient care.

Employment Status: Part-timeHours of Work: 7.5 hour day shiftsLocation: Humber River Health. Wilson SiteLabour Group: OPSEU 590Reporting Relationship: Manager, Paediatrics Inpatient and Outpatient ProgramsHourly Rate: $37.72 - $44.68

Responsibilities:

• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team in the provision of Patient and Family Centered care by participating in the process of assessment, implementation, and evaluation of the plan of care.
• Observes children for levels of growth and development, and perform preliminary developmental assessments.
• Participates in interdisciplinary rounds/patient-care conferences.
• Acts as a resource to parents and hospital staff regarding growth and developmental, as well as psychosocial needs of children.
• Designs and implements appropriate play programs/other experiences for individual children and groups to promote normal growth and development.
• Implements all HRH Child Life Services including; Child Life Surgical Services, Child Life Paediatric Services, Child Life Bereavement Services, Child Life Emergency Services, Child Life Referrals, Child Life Community Services
• Assists in the preparation of children for medical or surgical procedures, and provides support to families as required, with the emphasis on pain management and therapeutic play.
• Maintains safety in the playroom, and ensures that child life equipment is used appropriately in the patients’ rooms.
• Assists in providing a pleasant and appropriate environment for children and families.
• Assists in public relation activities and special events relating to children in the Paediatric Unit or the Maternal & Child Program.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Early Childhood Education, B.A. in Child Studies or related field.
• Minimum 1 year experience in a hospital setting working with infants, children, adolescents and families.
• Membership inAssociation ofChild Life Professionals required.
• Demonstrates ability to work with an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates well both verbally and in a written form.
• Excellent interpersonal and empathic skills.
• Good organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize a varied workload.
• Ability to teach effectively, both adults and children.
• Willingness to preceptor and assist with professional development of the Child Life Specialist student.
• Excellent attendance and discipline free record required.
• An understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles as they relate to health practices is an asset. Humber River Health values lived and learned experiences in addressing systemic barriers and advancing inclusive practices.

Why choose Humber River Health?

At Humber River Health, our staff, physicians, and volunteers are delivering Tomorrow's Healthcare, Today. We are proud to have been recognized as a part of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc. Wesupport employees by providing evidence-based leadership and cultivating a culture that consistently wows with our unwavering commitment to staff, physician and volunteer engagement. We are dedicated to high-quality patient care and demonstrate our values of compassion, professionalism, and respect.

Humber River Health is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace that reflects the diversity of our communities. Guided by our strategic direction to embed equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do – and to address systemic barriers – we foster a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and empowered to contribute.

We welcome applications from individuals of all equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons living with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and seniors. We recognizethat diverse identities and perspectives strengthen our ability to deliver safe, innovative and compassionate care.

As an equal opportunity employer, Humber River Health complies with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other protected ground.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process and employment. Please contact our recruitment team to discuss your needs confidentially.

This position is being posted in response to an existing vacancy at Humber River Health.

Recruitment Fraud Notice: Humber River Health does not request fees or payment from applicants as part of the recruitment process. If you receive suspicious recruitment-related advertising, communication, or content that does not appear to come from Humber River Health, please report it to [e-mail] with any relevant details, screenshots, or links.