Child Life Specialist

Position: Child Life Specialist 

Dept: 2A Paediatrics – Women's and Children's Program

Role Level: AH08 ($ $41.37)

Status: Permanent Part Time (x2) 

Site: Credit Valley Hospital With the need to cross site to Mississauga Hospital as required

Hours Of Work/Shifts: Rotation - Days, Evenings, Weekends, Holidays 

Posted: August 27, 2025  

Internal Deadline: until filled

Trillium Health Partners (THP) is one of the largest community-based acute care facilities in Canada. Comprised of the Credit Valley Hospital, the Mississauga Hospital, the Queensway Health Centre, and the Reactivation Center at Humber. Trillium Health Partners serves the growing and diverse populations of Mississauga, West Toronto and surrounding communities and is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Our Mission:     A New Kind of Health Care for a Healthier Community

Our Values:      Compassion, Excellence, Courage

Our Goals: Quality, Access, Sustainability

Our Enablers:   People, Education, Innovation, Research

Position Summary:

The Child Life Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating all child play programs and related activities within the Women's & Children's Program. This role will also include supporting Paediatric Patients in the Emergency Department.  Candidates will be required to participate in a rotation of days, evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure coverage. Cross-site support may be required. Responsibilities will include: 

• Delivering direct patient care by providing therapeutic play opportunities and programming designed to reduce stress and help children and families cope with hospitalization
• Prioritizing and triaging psychosocial needs of children throughout all areas of the hospital using child life assessment skills
• Training, orientation and supervision of volunteers and students
• Coordination of special visitor's events, including holiday planning
• Collaborating with the Foundation with respect to gifts and fundraising
• Monitoring of a small budget for equipment and supplies related to child life activities
• Ensuring that all toys and equipment meet safety standards
• Influencing child and family centered care throughout the organization
• Supporting the emergency department and a rotation of day shifts on 2A and evenings in the emergency department, likely on a weekly rotation

Key Qualifications:

THP is committed to internal talent, and therefore priority will be given to internal applicants.

• Baccalaureate degree in child development, psychology, education, or other related studies
• Designation of the CCLS credentials through the Child Life Certification Commission of the Association of Child Life Professionals required
• Current membership with Association of Child Life Professionals recommended
• Minimum 2 – 3 years previous related clinical experience is preferred
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of child and adolescent development, family dynamics, play and activities, developmental observation and assessment, behaviour management and all appropriate interventions is essential
• Demonstrated ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team approach as well as the ability to work well independently and with minimal supervision
• Ability to think critically and effectively in order to prioritize needs in critical situations
• Highly effective decision making, problem solving and organizational skills combined with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written; a second language is a definite asset
• Reliable and flexible individual to work as part of a diverse professional work team
• Positive attendance and work record essential
• Willingness to consider and accommodate the needs of the families taking into consideration the diversity of the families' cultures, religions and background
• Progressive, innovative and problem-solving team player that supports the vision of Trillium and the philosophy of the W&C Health System

To pursue this career opportunity, please visit our website: 

Internal Candidates who believe they possess the necessary qualifications and experience for this position and who have been in their current position for at least six (6) months are encouraged to apply.

Candidates are selected on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications.

Where these factors are relatively equal seniority shall govern providing the successful applicant.

Trillium Health Partners' (THP) is an equal opportunity employer who values the importance of antiracism work and is committed to integrating antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion best practices throughout THP operations, policies and culture. Therefore, we ask that even if you do not see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on this posting, we still encourage you to reach out and apply. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups often only apply when they feel 100% qualified. We encourage all applicants who are members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the Ontario Human Rights Code based on race, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nations, Métis or Inuk/Inuit person to consider this opportunity.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code Trillium Health Partners will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities.  If selected to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.

All personal information is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Trillium Health Partners is identified under the French Language Services Act.