Child Life Specialist

**Child Life Specialist**

**Part time (10 hours weekly), 1 year Contract**

**(Tuesday, 3-7 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 3 - 6 pm)**

Toronto, Ontario (240 McCaul Street)

**The Organization**

Since 1981, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Toronto has served as a place to call home for families with seriously ill children undergoing treatment. RMHC Toronto encompasses a House for 81 families in downtown Toronto and seven Family Rooms in hospitals across the Greater Toronto Area and in Sudbury. The families we serve come from throughout Ontario, across Canada and around the world.

We are looking for a **Child Life Specialist (Part Time) **to join our team in Toronto.

**About the opportunity**

Reporting to the Manager, Family Services, the Child Life Specialist provides procedural preparation, and support as well as therapeutic interactions and activities that offer emotional support and developmentally appropriate education for children or adolescents related to their diagnosis/condition and plan of care. The Child Life Specialist promotes effective coping strategies for children / adolescents and families dealing with difficult health related life experiences through interaction, play and relaxation techniques. In addition, the Child Life Specialist, in conjunction with the Programs Coordinator, is responsible for the successful delivery of family activity programs at RMHC Toronto. The Child Life Specialist is an ambassador for the organization maintaining and growing positive relationships with donors and community partners.

**Key Accountabilities **Manage group Child Life programming and provide opportunities for normative play (i.e., Group Child Life sessions, Teddy Bear Clinics, Child Life events, Journey Beads Program, scrapbooking, etc.).
- Provide Child Life support for children and families, helping family members understand medical procedures, what to expect, supporting them with the grieving process, creating plans to reduce anxiety and explaining procedures in a less fearful manner.
- Provide creative ways for families to bond when separated and for siblings to participate in the care of the patient.
- Coordinate Child Life volunteer workforce, recruitment, training & ongoing support.
- Develop and plan Child Life activities for children and families at RMHC Toronto.
- Performs other duties, as required.

**Knowledge, skills, and abilities**:

- **Education & Experience**_
- Undergraduate degree in Child Life Studies, Child Psychology, Child/Adolescent Development, Child & Family Social Services, Education, or a related discipline
- Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
- Minimum one (1) year experience as a certified Child Life Specialist.
- Experience working with children / families with medical or special needs and the philosophy of family centered care.
- Experience working with volunteers and in healthcare or not-for-profit organization is an asset.
- Experience in volunteer management is an asset.
- Certified First Aid CPR/AED Level C.
- **Knowledge, Skills & Abilities **_
- In-depth knowledge of working with child/adolescent and families in crisis
- Strong clinical expertise in planning, initiating and monitoring suitable activities for children, adolescents and their families.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present and clarify concerns and concepts to various audiences.
- Exemplary collaboration and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships. Ability to work effectively within a team, as well as independently.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deliverables in a time-sensitive environment and adapt to frequently changing priorities.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict management skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to provide formal and informal education to RMHC Toronto team regarding the Child Life role, the psychosocial needs of children/adolescents related to care management.
- Participates in ongoing professional development.
- Working knowledge in technology including Microsoft Office and other databases.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.

We want to hear from you Like what you’re hearing so far, but still wondering if RMHC Toronto is right for you?

The hourly wage for this role is $23.85 to $29.81.

We offer:

- Access to paid Wellness Days as well as additional paid Religious Leave days
- Access to EFAP Program
- Professional Development fund for further education and learning

**Requirements**:

- In accordance with our commitment to prioritize the health and safety of our employees, RMHC families, and guests, any job offer is contingent upon the submission of a valid proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. This requirement is designed to ensure a secure and healthy environment for everyone.

RMHC Toronto is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in the