IWK Health

About the Company

IWK Health is an internationally recognized academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia dedicated to the highest standards of patient and family-centred care, research and education. The IWK is an integral part of the region’s communities, caring for a population of two million women, children, youth and families across Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, and providing sub-specialty care to residents of Newfoundland & Labrador. As one of two provincial health authorities in Nova Scotia, the IWK is shaping, cultivating and stewarding the health agenda for families and has charted an ambitious course to world-class outcomes. MISSION: To passionately pursue a healthy future for women, children, youth and families VALUES: Safe, Compassionate Care through Leadership, Innovation, Integrity, and Partnerships

Listed Jobs

Company Name

IWK Health

Job Title

Child Life Specialist, Child Life Centrewide

Job Description

**Job Title** Child Life Specialist **Role Summary** Provide child-centered psychosocial support within a multidisciplinary healthcare setting, reducing the impact of illness and hospital interventions on children, youth, and families through assessment, therapeutic planning, and ongoing emotional care. **Expectations** * Operate 90% FTE (part‑time) hours Monday‑Friday 7.5‑hour days, with occasional weekend coverage. * Maintain proficiency in Child Life Council standards, keeping certification current. * Deliver timely, evidence‑based interventions while collaborating effectively with physicians, nurses, therapists, and family members. * Serve as a child life advocate in clinical rounds, committees, and community outreach. **Key Responsibilities** 1. **Assessment & Planning** – Conduct Child Life Assessment Interventions, identify developmental and psychosocial vulnerabilities, and create individualized intervention plans. 2. **Therapeutic Intervention** – Initiate and adapt therapeutic activities (play, education, coping skills) to address social, emotional, and developmental needs during medical procedures or care transitions. 3. **Family & Team Collaboration** – Partner with the interdisciplinary team to integrate child life strategies into overall care plans and support family coping mechanisms. 4. **Advocacy & Referrals** – Advocate for patient/family rights, facilitate appropriate referrals to internal and community resources. 5. **Evaluation & Documentation** – Evaluate intervention effectiveness, maintain accurate clinical documentation, and submit required workload measurements. 6. **Representation & Continuous Improvement** – Represent Child Life on rounds, committees, and initiatives; assess service strengths and recommend enhancements. **Required Skills** * Child Life assessment and therapeutic intervention techniques. * Strong communication, empathy, and rapport‑building with children/parents. * Collaborative teamwork across clinical disciplines. * Advocacy for child and family needs. * Organizational and documentation proficiency. * Ability to remain calm and supportive in high‑stress environments. **Required Education & Certifications** * Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 courses fulfilling Child Life Council’s certification criteria. * Eligibility for Child Life certification upon hire, or a current Child Life Council certification. * Child Life internship experience supervised by a certified specialist is required. * Current Child Life Council certification preferred.

Halifax, Canada

On site

18-12-2025