Title: Child Life Specialist

Department: Child Life Program

Hours of Work: Full-Time Position; Day Shifts

Pay Band: $33.23-$36.49

Union: OPSEU 4106 Non-Central

Location: Kingston General Hospital Site

DESCRIPTION:

The Child Life Specialist provides children and their families with services and programs designed to reduce the stress associated with illness, treatment, and hospitalization. The services emphasize and encourage normal growth and development, independence, positive self-image, sense of mastery and supports problem solving.

A Child Life Specialist has a demonstrated ability to work with individuals and groups of children/adolescents through an understanding of child growth and development, family dynamics, interpersonal communication, developmental assessment, the learning process, group dynamics, behaviour management, the reactions of children/adolescents and their families to illness and healthcare experiences, coping interventions, and the importance of collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Within this role the employee is accountable for contributing to the delivery of the Kingston Health Sciences Centre strategy. As an employee, one must demonstrate an awareness of and be responsible for actively promoting and supporting patient and family centered engagement and care in all we do.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• The ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate Child Life strategies appropriate to the child and family;

• To assess responses and needs of patients and families healthcare experience;

• To prepare children and youth and families for healthcare experiences,

• Therapeutic intervention and play; designed to address their social, emotional and developmental needs

• To communicate and collaborate with other professionals in helping the family create a framework of support for their child and themselves throughout their illness experiences and the hospital and ambulatory care setting;

• To support a strong team of volunteers trained to assist in the operation of the program.

• Adheres to worker responsibilities as set out in the Occupational Health & Safety Act, hospital safety policies, and dept. /unit established procedures at all times.

• Takes corrective action to address a hazard where possible, otherwise reports the unresolved hazard, dangerous circumstance, unsafe situation to self, other co-workers or the community, to their supervisor.

• Advises supervisor if they incur a workplace injury or illness; actively participate in identifying and resolving the underlying cause(s), and participates in early and safe return to work as per Workplace Safety & Insurance Act.

• Understands and is familiar with all pertinent KHSC policies and procedures including those relating to workplace conduct. Complies with the KHSC Commitment to uphold the Workplace Conduct and Reporting of Inappropriate Conduct policy and behaves in a manner that is consistent with the guiding principles and expectations.

NOTE*: The above duties are representative but are not to be considered as all-inclusive to this position.*

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Baccalaureate degree contributing to the knowledge of child growth and development.

• Two years’ experience as a Child Life Specialist or in Child Services an asset.

• Demonstrate a high degree of flexibility and creativity.

• Meet educational eligibility requirements for Child Life Specialist certification.

• Child Life Specialist certification preferred.

• Proven ability to attend work regularly.

• Satisfactory criminal reference check and vulnerable sector search required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position.

KHSC is located on the ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and serves a wider geographical area that encompasses many Indigenous communities including Tyendinaga, Katarokwi, as well as communities within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. As we partner in care, discovery, and learning to achieve better health outcomes for our communities, KHSC is committed to actively advocating for and acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action on Health.

Unless specifically stated, all job postings are for existing positions at KHSC. KHSC is committed to recruitment practices that support and contribute to building a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace in compliance with legislation such as the Employment Standards Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We welcome all applications from women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and members of other equity deserving groups.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre may use artificial intelligence systems to assess and screen applicants. All hiring decisions are made in accordance with KHSC policies and applicable employment legislation.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for next steps will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.