Join us in building a world of possibility! Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is Canada’s largest pediatric rehabilitation hospital, and a top 40 Canadian research hospital. Serving over 9,000 families annually in both inpatient and outpatient programs and services, Holland Bloorview is renowned for its expertise in partnering with clients and families to provide exceptional care and is the only organization to ever achieve 100 per cent in three successive quality surveys by Accreditation Canada.
Holland Bloorview’s vision is to support the most meaningful and healthy futures for all children, youth and families. We are an academic hospital, fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. All clinical staff are expected to contribute to the academic agenda through one or more of the following activities: supervising students, teaching, academic service, scholarship and research.
Holland Bloorview has won numerous awards including Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, Canada’s Top Employers for Young People and Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. We offer an inspiring, inclusive, innovative, and collaborative work environment with competitive compensation and benefit packages and programs that support ongoing learning and professional growth.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Certified Child Life Specialist is responsible for the ongoing development, co-ordination and implementation of Child Life Services aimed at providing psychosocial care to children and families. Child Life Services will promote children and families’ coping and positive adjustment to illness and hospitalization through a variety of expressive mediums. Child Life Services will further heighten awareness of and sensitivity to the developmental and psychosocial needs of children and family members among staff, students, volunteers, and community professionals.
The Certified Child Life Specialist will be an integral member of our pediatric dental team specializing in providing care for children with disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and behavioral challenges. This role focuses on reducing anxiety, improving cooperation, and creating positive dental experiences through developmentally appropriate individualized preparation, support, and coping strategies.
This is a temporary part-time (0.9 FTE) contract position for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal.

EDUCATION

• A minimum of an undergraduate degree in psychology, child studies, or health-related study required
• Master’s degree (M.A., M.Sc., or M.Ed.) or Child Life graduate diploma preferred

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 2 years experience working with children and families to include 1 year experience as clinical Child Life Specialist in healthcare setting required
• Experience and comfort working with children with a variety of disabilities
• English language communication skills required to prepare documentation and verbally communicate with all levels of staff and the public
• Multilingual skills an asset
• Ability to develop a sense of trust and positive, supportive therapeutic relationship with infants, children, adolescents and families in a healthcare setting
• Ability to assess development, stress response, coping and behavioural expression in infants, children, and adolescents; identify areas of strength and areas in need of further development; and determine interventions to prevent emotional trauma and promote positive coping, adjustment and progressive development
• Ability to provide preparation prior to medical/nursing procedures; support through procedures; and meaningful resolution following procedures
• Ability to develop strong interpersonal relations and work and communicate effectively with other professionals and various working teams, and work across different program structures