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 for a 1 year contract.

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.
  • Keep current on evidence-based practice and apply this to decision making regarding the Child Life program.
  • 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

  • The successful candidate will need to undergo a successful Vulnerable Sector Check, criminal background check.
  • 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.

Looking to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Please submit your application online today or by using the link below!

Please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

RMHC Toronto is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace and as an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse population and families we support.

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically marginalized, including but not limited to Aboriginal, Indigenous, Metis and Inuit peoples, racialized groups/persons of colour, people with varying abilities, members of visible minority groups, LGBTQ2S+, those who identify as women, and other equity-seeking groups.

When contacted for a job opportunity, please advise the People and Culture team of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to an equitable process. We request that you provide your accommodation request as soon as reasonably practicable. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

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