Child Life Specialist, CEN Women & Children's Program

shn; Toronto; On-site; CAD 51,000 - 61,000; Part time

Job summary

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is seeking a part-time Child Life Specialist for the Centenary Site to support children and families through assessment, education, and psychosocial care in a hospital setting.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team to promote normal development, facilitate coping, and provide family-centered care across pediatric services, including pre- and post-operative contexts and the emergency department.

Qualifications

• Diploma or certificate in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years related work experience as Child Life Specialist.
• Knowledge of growth and development of children from 0 to 16 years.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and independently.
• Commitment to customer service and SHN's Code of Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Conduct developmental assessments and evaluate coping style, culture, and family needs.
• Provide psychosocial support across pediatric care areas and education sessions for families.
• Advocate for children and families and promote family-centered care within the hospital.
• Supervise child life playroom activities and ensure a safe, healthy environment.
• Participate in committees pertaining to children and families and report hazards.

Skills

Team collaboration

Customer service

Attendance & reliability

Diversity awareness

Ethical conduct

Education

Diploma or certificate in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Job Number: JR107113 Job Title: Child Life Specialist, CEN Women & Children's Program Union: OPSEU Union: OPSEU Job Category: Paramedical Hospital Location: Centenary Site Job Type: Permanent, Part time Number of Positions: 1 Minimum - Maximum Hourly Rate: $36.96 - $43.87 Hours: Days, Weekends

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 – 2025 and Greater Toronto's Top Employers for 2026. Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description

Reporting to the Manager of the Women & Children's Program and working as an active member of the inter-professional team the Child Life Specialist in the healthcare setting strives to promote the continued development of children, adolescents and families by maintaining normal living patterns, and minimizing the potential for psychological trauma. The Child Life Specialist values plan as a healing modality, and work to enhance the growth and development of children and youth through assessment, intervention, prevention, advocacy and education.

Responsibilities

• Conduct an assessment of the child’s development, temperament, coping style, culture, spirituality, potential stressors, family needs and social support.
• Provide psychosocial support throughout the health care setting, including Paediatrics, Pre-Op Teaching, Same Day Surgery, Post Operative Care Unit, Intensive Care Unit, and Emergency Department, as well as participating in the parent present induction program known as “Til I Sleep”.
• Conduct universal infant hearing screening for both inpatient and outpatient newborns.
• Advocate for children and families throughout the hospital, promoting family centered care and parental participation in their child’s care. Provide education for families and members of the interprofessional team, and conduct education sessions for children scheduled for elective surgery and their families.
• Promote a collaborative approach to care including all members of the health care team, and participate on internal committees pertaining to children and families.
• Supervise the child life playroom and activities provided to the paediatric patients and their families.
• Contribute to creating a safe and healthy environment for patients, staff and others, working in compliance with the hospital code of conduct and the provisions of health and safety policies and legislation. Utilizes protective equipment provided and identifies and reports hazards.

Requirements

• Diploma or certificate in Early Childhood Education or experience in related field
• Minimum of 2 years related work experience as Child Life Specialist
• Knowledge of Growth and Development of children from 0 to 16 years of agency and childcare
• Proven ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team and independently
• Demonstrates a commitment to customer service when dealing with patients, colleagues, volunteers and other members of the community and public
• Demonstrates values consistent with SHN’s Code of Conduct and is committed to fostering a healthy and positive work environment in accordance with Health & Safety policy and legislation.
• Utilize protective equipment provided and identify and reports hazards
• Engages in ethical conduct and strives to understand and appreciate the diversity of our patient/staff population and community
• Excellent work performance and attendance

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike.

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values.

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.