Position: Recreationist (Child Life Worker)

Department: Maternal/Child

Position Status: Part-time Job Share Permanent

Union: OPSEU 373

Number of Positions: 1

Location: On site

The PRHC Difference:

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is a regional hospital delivering acute healthcare to a rapidly growing population of more than 300,000 in Peterborough and the surrounding communities, including the First Nations of Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Alderville.

With an annual budget of nearly $390 million, and a proud local history extending back over a century, PRHC has nearly 500 inpatient beds and offers a wide range of services, including specialized programs in renal, stroke, cardiac, cancer care, vascular surgery and mental health & addictions.

PRHC is located in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada a 90-minute drive north-east of Toronto. We are the region’s largest employer with more than 3,100 staff, 450 physicians with privileges, and a core group of 250 volunteers

As a member of the PRHC team, you will be part of an exceptional working environment – a forum to share knowledge, to lead and learn, to develop talents, relationships and careers, and a culture that recognizes and celebrates the efforts and achievements of its people.

PRHC is proud to be recognized as one of the top 20 employers nationwide in the healthcare and social services category, and 199 overall among 300 Canadian employers across all sectors, on the Canada’s Best Employers list released by Forbes in 2025.

Top Benefits and Perks:

• Vacation and Benefits
• Pension program with matching employer contribution
• Health and Wellness programs (gym and yoga memberships, travel discounts, etc.)
• Learning fund for educational development

HOURS OF WORK:

The stated hours of work are approximate as schedules are subject to change with the operational needs of the Health Centre. Changes made to hours of work will follow the terms of the applicable collective agreement, company policy and/or legislation.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The Child Life Worker strives to promote optimum development of children, adolescents, and families to maintain normal living patterns and to minimize psychological trauma. An integral member of the health care team, in both ambulatory care and inpatient settings, the Child Life worker provides opportunities for gaining a sense of mastery for play, for learning, for self-expression, for family involvement.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• College diploma in Early Childhood Education, Child Life or equivalent
• Three years’ related experience in a paediatric setting preferred
• Certification as a Child Life Specialist through the Child Life Council

WHO YOU ARE:

• Demonstrated knowledge of child growth and development, family dynamics, reactions of children to hospitalization and illness, and interventions to prevent emotional trauma.
• Demonstrated knowledge of program planning and development to design creative activities for children.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with patients (infant, child, adolescent), families, staff and the community.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as team member.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and adapt to unpredictable and changing situations.

OUR COMMITMENT:

At PRHC, we take great pride in maintaining an inclusive culture of respect and a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. We do this because we understand that bringing different perspectives and backgrounds to the fulfillment of our mission, vision and values makes us better.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from members of all equity-deserving communities, including those who identify as Indigenous, black, racialized, women, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations. Even if your past experience doesn’t quite align with every qualification on this position, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for another role within our organization.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment that is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). Should you require accommodation through the recruitment and selection process, please notify us by indicating this on your application form and upon initial contact by our recruitment team. This will ensure that we can tailor the recruitment process to meet your accommodation needs.

Thank you for your interest in the opportunity at PRHC. If you are selected to move forward in the recruitment process, you will be contacted by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.