Child Life Specialist

Reporting to the Pediatrics & NICU Manager (or designate) at the Chinook Regional Hospital, the Child Life Specialist provides support to children and youth and their families on the Pediatric Inpatient Unit and the Pediatric Day Surgery and Outpatient program. The Child Life Specialist assists children/youth to develop coping skills, provides observation, assists with 1:1 or group work, and/or medical play. The Child Life Specialist accepts responsibility for continuing competencies through ongoing professional development including participation in education programs and quality improvement activities. The Child Life Specialist position requires physical demands including lifting, pulling and pushing, walking, standing, transferring and transporting patients, and equipment on a frequent basis. When required, you may be assigned to provide assistance to other areas of Chinook Regional Hospital.

As a Child Life Specialist, you will plan, develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate developmental and normalization activities including therapeutic play programs in order to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of children and adolescents. You will assess, research, plan, implement and evaluate appropriate play and developmental activities/interventions for children and families (both individual and in group settings). You will provide therapeutic play programs designed to reduce stress, help clients cope with hospitalization, promote development and independence. You will help prepare children for diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures through hospital play, demonstrations and discussions and introduce coping strategies and techniques to assist children and families during procedures. You will also provide diversion experiences and facilitate special events.

Completion of bachelor's degree in Child Life, Education, Psychology or other related field.

Current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training/certification. Minimum 2 years' experience working with children and/or youth. Experience facilitating group therapy and/or guided group discussions.

Indigenous Awareness & Sensitivity Training. Experience with crisis counselling and/or crisis line. Mental Health First Aid. Standard First Aid. Basic Life Support (BLS). Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST).