Hamilton Health Sciences·Hamilton, Ontario
Provide specialized, family-centered psychosocial care and interventions to pediatric patients in an ambulatory surgical setting. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support the unique healthcare needs of children and their families through education and care planning.
The Pediatric Surgical Ambulatory Clinics at McMaster Children's Hospital, part of Hamilton Health Sciences, provide specialized, family-centered care to children and youth from birth to 17 years of age. Our ambulatory clinics support patients and families across a broad range of surgical and pediatric subspecialty services, delivering coordinated outpatient care tailored to each child's unique healthcare needs.
Bachelor’s degree in Child Life Studies or Masters in Child Life Pediatric and Psychosocial care Child Life Certification upon hire or within a year of hire for new graduates. Minimum of one (1) year experience, within the last three (3) years, as a Child Life Specialist in an acute, tertiary care setting Demonstrated clinical expertise in assessments, planning and interventions for children, adolescents and their families Demonstrated flexibility and the ability to provide interventions on an urgent basis Demonstrated organization, problem-solving and conflict management skills Excellent communication skills and the ability to work within an interdisciplinary team Demonstrated ability to provide formal and informal education to health care team regarding the Child Life role, the psychosocial needs of children/adolescents related to care management Demonstrated understanding the role of community supports for the child/adolescent and family Participates in ongoing professional development Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Child Life Studies or a Master's in Child Life Pediatric and Psychosocial care, along with Child Life Certification. Candidates must have at least one year of experience in an acute, tertiary care setting.
Market context
In Ontario, Child Life Specialist roles in pediatric ambulatory surgery are typically tied to hospitals and surgical programs that need certified staff with acute, tertiary care experience. These roles are competitive because employers often look for a strong mix of child development knowledge, procedural preparation, and family-centered communication. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your certification and highlight relevant hospital-based experience in your application.