additional medical benefits
3 weeks of paid vacation
Required Education:
Masters
Internal Number: 001
Title Certified Child Life Specialist
Report Executive Director
Term Full-time
Scope To assess the needs of families in our program, to liaise with families and volunteers in supporting parents with cancer and their children throughout the cancer journey, to develop and implement program activities and plans to standardize the Nankind service delivery for families. To provide individual and therapeutic interactions and activities that offer emotional support to parents and children related to a cancer diagnosis.
Responsibilities: Key Deliverables
Conduct initial intakes for families referred to Nankind cancer
Provide parental consultations regarding their children
Provide volunteers with CLS support throughout the course of service
Create care plans- design, and supervise volunteer execution
Provide individual CLS support to children when required
Develop standardized program plans and activities
Create “coping Kits” for volunteers for each age group
Assist in the design and implementation of program evaluation
Contribute content for blogs, newsletters, social media, Facebook live
Collaborate with volunteer specialist in matching process
Support the outreach efforts with community partners to drive client awareness and registration
Manage and supervise ECE or CYC students
Build community partnerships
Conduct Lunch and Learns, seminars, presentations to stakeholders and organizations
Act as a mentor to program team in all matters related to program delivery
Provide ongoing training for volunteers
Provide program reports at the request of the Executive Director
Deliver virtual and in-person peer support groups –Wonders and Worries
Maintain Enginehire database with accuracy
The individual in this position enjoys working with children and their families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, has excellent verbal and written communications skills, is able to manage a variety of competing priorities, is creative and can think out of the box, can adapt to a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment, can manage the stress that comes with working with families dealing with life threatening illness, understands the complexities around working with volunteers, has access to a vehicle, is comfortable with in-home assessments and care.
Competency
Behaviour/Expectation
Building Relationships
· Ability to foster relationships & collaborate with others
· Solid interpersonal skills; displays empathy and builds trust with others
· Respectful of individual’s wishes, beliefs and desires
· Respectful of the sensitive and confidential nature of the relationship
Awareness & Understanding
· Understanding of the unique needs of children and families, related to a cancer diagnosis of the mother
· Ability to set and manage expectations within a family dynamic
· Provide individual care and therapeutic interactions for the child, when appropriate
Productivity
· Establish and measure program targets, goals and objectives
· Demonstrate impact
· Ensure program excellence
Communication
· Active and effective listening
· Ability to employ and assess nonverbal communication
· Positive, empathetic and encouraging tone
· Communicate clear, concise messaging with regards to healthy service delivery boundaries, Ability to address groups of professionals
Organizing and Planning
· Ability to organize activities and create ‘playbook’ for volunteers for each age group
· Conduct initial assessment of family, determine needs and recommend programs
Supervision and Evaluation
· Provide support to volunteers throughout the course of service
· Provide input on volunteer performance and evaluation
· Assess the relationship between the volunteer and family and provide guidance when applicable
Integrity
· Represent NAN in a positive manner (uphold exemplary reputation)
· Strong work ethic
· “Say and do”- deliver on expectations
· Provide service without judgement or bias
Judgement
· Exhibits sound judgment and the ability to make reasonable decisions in the absence of direction
· Swiftly refers problems/issues to the appropriate person(s) when necessary
· Works effectively without constant and direct supervision or guidance
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree and postgraduate diploma in Child Life Studies, Certified Child Life Specialist
Minimum of 1-2 years of experience within the last 3 years working as a Child Life Specialist.
Demonstrated clinical expertise in assessments, planning and interventions for children dealing with illness and death.
Demonstrated organization, problem solving and conflict management skills.
Demonstrated ability to engage with families and volunteers
Experienced in program delivery within a health and human services sector
An analytical mindset with great problem-solving abilities
Knowledge of cancer and early childhood development
Must have a vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurance.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, with possible travel outside of Toronto GTA
Passion and commitment to support Nanny Angel Network’s mission
Ability to think outside the box- and make a difference
Proficient knowledge of information management systems and data collection
Excellent communication skills
Strong facilitation skills
Ability to speak different languages and cultural competencies to deliver service within various communities considered an asset
Nankind is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 to support young families where a parent is diagnosed with cancer. We have provided support to over 2000 families and 3500 children through individual counselling, peer support groups, meal support, camp programs and more throughout Ontario, Canada. Nankind is committed to providing children with the tools they need to build resilience during a parent's cancer illness or death.
We were the first organization in Ontario to employ Child Life Specialists in a community setting to support the entire family. Our Child Life Specialists also provide counseling to parents and guardians of children impacted by a parental cancer journey. Nankind supports the family for one year following the death of a parent.