CLS-Child Life Specialist

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time. Position Vacancy: Children’s Outpatient Program Position: Child Life Specialist, Inpatient Pediatric Unit and Children’s Outpatient Clinics. Position Type: Casual Location: WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital, KW Campus) Posting Period: August 5 2026- August 12 2026 Position Summary Assesses the developmental level and the psychosocial and emotional needs of the child/adolescent under 18 years of age, as well as their family, to illness and the treatment process. In collaboration with team members, families, and other hospital and community service providers, the Child Life Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a variety of therapeutic play-based interventions to support patient and family centered care in accordance with the Standards of Clinical Practice as set out by the Association of Child Life Professionals. The Child Life Specialist Is Also Responsible For Preparing patients for medical procedures and/or surgery Receipt and organization of donations and supplies Coordinating with community partners and facilitating on-site visits Contributing to a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Supervision of Child Life Specialist student interns Providing on-unit orientation and ongoing support to volunteers Off-unit referrals as required (ICU, ER, adult oncology, etc.) Position Responsibilities Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) Masters degree in Pediatric Psychosocial Care preferred ECE diploma an asset University degree in Child Studies or related field Two years experience in a health care setting with the pediatric population preferred Demonstrated knowledge of the impact of illness and hospitalization on child development and family systems Experience in the use of play as a healing modality Demonstrated commitment and actions in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives Demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills Demonstrated knowledge of MS Office software Thorough and efficient documenter. Experience with Cerner an asset. Strong attendance record Application Instructions EMPLOYEES OF WRHN MIDTOWN & CHICOPEE ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY USING INFOR. Where applicable, as per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications. WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment. Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources. International Applicants If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.

The Child Life Specialist assesses the developmental and psychosocial needs of children and families to implement therapeutic play-based interventions. Responsibilities include preparing patients for medical procedures, supervising interns, and coordinating with community partners.

Requires a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) designation and a university degree in Child Studies or a related field. A Master's degree in Pediatric Psychosocial Care and two years of healthcare experience with pediatric populations are preferred.

Relevées dans la description du poste. Confirmez les exigences importantes ci-dessus.

• Therapeutic Play-Based Interventions
• Psychosocial Assessment
• Patient and Family Centered Care
• Medical Procedure Preparation
• Pediatric Care
• Crisis Intervention
• Clinical Documentation
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Student Supervision
• Volunteer Coordination
• MS Office
• Cerner

• Healthcare
• Social Services
• Education

Formation minimale

Diplôme professionnel

Expérience minimale

2+ ans

Postuler avant le

4 sept. 2026

Langue de l’offre

anglais

Heures de travail

40 heures par semaine

Niveau d’expérience

Entry level