At the Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) we provide highly specialized trauma-informed mental health and developmental services. These services include Assessment, Consultation, Treatment, Research and Education. We work with local community services, building on what they have already done and use evidence-based practices to adapt our approach to the unique needs of each child.
CPRI is looking for a Child Life Specialist to join the Pratten One Complex Care Program team and play a crucial part in providing essential emotional support and fostering the optimal development of children facing various healthcare and hospitalization challenges.
The Pratten One Complex Care Program provides specialized assessment and treatment services to children and youth from birth to 18 years of age with complex medical fragility and/or technology dependence. Please visit the
Pratten One Complex Care Program page on Ontario.ca to learn more about the program and the services we provide.
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
About the job
• Assess, design, implement and evaluate programs which provide for the psychosocial and developmental needs of participants in the Pratten One Complex Care Program
• Promote effective coping and minimize stress and anxiety related to hospitalization through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities
• Provide information, support, guidance, and modeling to parents, guardians, siblings, and other family members or caregivers about the needs of children under stress
• Incorporate the programs and recommendations from therapy providers into a child and family centred routine as a part of the time in the program
• Participate in formal and informal information exchange with members of the multi-disciplinary team
• Prepare documentation through charting, assessments, program reports and individual treatment and therapy plans
• Prepare the child life area by organizing the rooms, equipment and play materials, providing safe and developmentally appropriate toys and supplies, assuring all materials are clean, and ordering and maintaining an inventory of equipment and supplies
• Support clients during therapy activities including lifting and transferring clients in and out of equipment, wheelchairs and beds as well as on and off mats for physical therapy
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• You have a Child Life Specialist certificate from a program of recognized standing or a certificate in Early Childhood from a program of recognized standing with direct related experience with specialized populations
Knowledge
• You have applied knowledge of child life practices to conduct developmental assessments, plan and establish programs, provide treatment and follow-up, and participate in policy decisions that affect the psychosocial needs of children
• You can apply theories of human growth and development, family systems and cultural diversity to assess and interact with patients and families
• You have an understanding and relevant experience with a consultation service delivery model
Communication Skills
• You have excellent communication skills to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with team members, family members, and the community.
• You can teach child life skills including psychological preparation for potentially stressful experiences with infants, children, youth and families
Organizational Skills
• You can manage conflicting priorities, make appropriate care decisions, and maintain adequate records and documentation
• You can prepare the child life area for programs including maintaining an inventory of supplies, toys and equipment and coordinating entertainment and special events
Analytical & Reasoning Skills
• You can gather and compile data from multiple sources to identify client needs
• You can develop and modify client plans of care based on your own evaluations as well as feedback and recommendations from therapy providers