Child Life Specialist

As part of the Therapeutic Arts Program and reporting to the Manager of the Summit Center for Youth Resilience, the Horticultural therapist will be responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation the horticulture program designed to meet the specific needs of patients and families. The Horticultural therapist works purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health and well-being. The Horticultural therapist will work with children & youth primarily with the Day Hospital and Intensive Community Treatment programs as well as site programming that may support other areas of CAAMHP. Leadership in the form of training and supervision of site volunteers and students/fellows is required. Appropriate documentation and statistical data collection is required. This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

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’s degree in related field and completion of Horticultural Therapy Certification Program. Professional registration with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association.

Completion of Brain Story Certification preferred. Collaborative Problem Solving Training preferred. Training in other forms of therapeutic arts (Music, art, play, etc.) preferred.