Child Life Specialist - Art Therapist - Child Life

As part of the Therapeutic Arts Program (TAP), the Art Therapist will be responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of the art therapy program designed to meet the specific needs of patients and families. The Art Therapist will work with children on the inpatient units and outpatient clinics fostering a patient and family-centered care approach. The Art Therapist will function in accordance with the professional standards of practice of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. Coordinates art therapy services for designated pediatric units under the general direction of the Child Life (CL) Discipline Leader and under the supervision of the Child Life & Therapeutic Arts Manager. Key Responsibilities: Plans, organizes and implements art therapy sessions for individuals and groups. Utilizes art therapy techniques as a diagnostic and treatment tool. Provides guidance, support and supervision to art therapy students and volunteers. Provides in-service education to hospital staff, students and volunteers in the applied principles and practices of art therapy. Attends relevant staff meetings as required. Collaborates with members of the health care team, and communicates issues related to art therapy, by participating in psychosocial rounds, team meetings and case discussions. Documents and records/maintain relevant statistical information. Supports site-wide coverage (ACH) within the Child Life & Therapeutic Arts service delivery model. Other assigned duties as required. Provides guidance and supervision to CL and TAP volunteers as needed.

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.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts required. Master's Degree in Art Therapy or equivalent. Minimum of two years' experience working with children and adolescents in an acute care setting. Clinical experience as an Art Therapist with children of various special needs; competence preferred in reactions of children and families to hospitalization and illness. Experience facilitating groups. Registration or eligibility for registration with Professional Art Therapy Association.

Preference will be given to Member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association and/or Member of the American Art Therapy Association.