Description

The child life specialist will provide opportunities for therapeutic and leisure play, promote optimum development of children and youth, and help patients and families adjust to and understand health care experiences. As part of the inter-professional team, the child life specialist will prepare and support children and youth during medical tests and procedures. This position may involve evening and weekend hours.

Position Summary

Assess the psychosocial needs of patients and families using theories of human growth and development and family systems. Assess patient’s development level, temperament and coping style and provide a variety of play and therapeutic activities which promote self-expression, understanding, and mastery of medical experiences. Plan group processes while incorporating individual therapeutic goals to match patient needs. In collaboration with the inter-professional team, develop individual treatment plans in accordance with prognosis, limitations, disease process, nature of illness, and available social supports. Organize and prepare activity areas to promote therapeutic activities taking into consideration a variety of mobility needs and a wide age span. Use developmentally appropriate medical teaching tools to prepare patients, siblings, and families for diagnostic and treatment procedures. Provide emotional support during intensified stress points and utilize stress reduction techniques to facilitate adaptive coping. Leads the development, planning, organization and implementation of child life special events, celebrations, and groups. Liaises and communicate with other team members. Supervise volunteers working within the programs. Participates in education and improvement activities.

Qualifications





- Baccalaureate in Child Life, Child and Family Studies, Therapeutic Recreation or related field (Essential)
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a pediatric health care setting (Essential)
- Current Child Life Certification (CCLS) through Child Life Council (Essential)
- Police Record Check (PRC) (Essential)
- Bilingualism (English/French) (Preferred)
- Timeline may be extended or shortened based on operational needs.
- Please note you will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).
- Please note that this position will be based out of Ottawa. Please note that location may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of the employer.
- All OPSEU members shall be granted an interview upon passing the pre-screening. Pre-screening might include testing. Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested. Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.

Accommodations and Diversity





Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. CHEO values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process and welcome interest from all qualified applicants.

Employer Information

CHEO is much more than a hospital. Our commitment to outstanding care and continued development impacts every part of a child and youth's health and well-being. We play a crucial role in building a healthy future for our community. Working at CHEO means a rewarding career. A career at CHEO provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package; unique culture that fosters dedication, communication, respect and teamwork; place where your opinions will be respected, contributions valued and your initiatives rewarded; family-friendly environment that supports you and your own family, as well as the children, youth and families we serve; prospect to grow through our comprehensive orientation program and on-the-job learning; support for continued education and learning; potential relocation reimbursement; truly unique work environment. We are redefining what it means to be a hospital and are committed to partnering with families and the community to provide exceptional care—where, when and how it’s needed. CHEO continues to be recognized as a top employer in the National Capital Region and beyond.

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📌 Child Life Specialist, Health Discipline Practice – Temporary Part-Time (0.6) (until January 2027)
🏢 Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
📍 Ottawa