Job Title

Job descriptionCertified Child Life SpecialistNankind is a dedicated Canadian not-for-profit organization committed to supporting families impacted by parental cancer across Ontario. We offer a range of programs designed to provide emotional, practical, and social support to children and their families. Our key initiatives include in-home specialized childcare, where trained volunteers provide childcare and respite for parents with cancer; peer support programs, offering connection and understanding among children and parents s that equip families with coping strategies and information. Other programs include individual therapeutic Child Life Counseling, Teddy Bear Clinics, bereavement counseling for children, meal support program, homework club, and virtual support programs. Through these comprehensive services, Nankind aims to ease the burden of cancer on families, allowing them to focus on what matters most.Certified Child Life SpecialistReport to: Director of ProgramsTerm Full-time - On site 4 days, work from home 1 day a week.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 DeliverablesConduct initial intakes for families referred to Nankind cancerProvide parental consultations regarding their childrenProvide volunteers with CLS support throughout the course of serviceCreate care plans- design, and supervise volunteer executionProvide individual CLS support to children when requiredDevelop standardized program plans and activitiesCreate coping Kits for volunteers for each age groupAssist in the design and implementation of program evaluationContribute content for blogs, newsletters, social media, Facebook liveCollaborate with volunteer specialist in matching processSupport the outreach efforts with community partners to drive client awareness and registrationManage and supervise ECE or CYC studentsBuild community partnershipsConduct Lunch and Learns, seminars, presentations to stakeholders and organizationsAct as a mentor to program team in all matters related to program deliveryProvide ongoing training for volunteersProvide program reports at the request of the Executive DirectorDeliver virtual and in-person peer support groups Wonders and WorriesMaintain Enginehire database with accuracyThe 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.CompetenciesBehaviour/ExpectationBuilding RelationshipsAbility to foster relationships & collaborate with othersSolid interpersonal skills; displays empathy and builds trust with othersRespectful of individuals wishes, beliefs and desiresRespectful of the sensitive and confidential nature of the relationshipAwareness & UnderstandingUnderstanding of the unique needs of children and families, related to a cancer diagnosis of the motherAbility to set and manage expectations within a family dynamicProvide individual care and therapeutic interactions for the child, when appropriateProductivityEstablish and measure program targets, goals and objectivesDemonstrate impactEnsure program excellenceCommunicationActive and effective listeningAbility to employ and assess nonverbal communicationPositive, empathetic and encouraging toneCommunicate clear, concise messaging with regards to healthy service delivery boundaries, Ability to address groups of professionalsOrganizing and PlanningAbility to organize activities and create playbook for volunteers for each age groupConduct initial assessment of family, determine needs and recommend programsSupervision and EvaluationProvide support to volunteers throughout the course of serviceProvide input on volunteer performance and evaluationAssess the relationship between the volunteer and family and provide guidance when applicableIntegrityRepresent NAN in a positive manner (uphold exemplary reputation)Strong work ethicSay and do- deliver on expectationsProvide service without judgement or biasJob Types: Full-time, Permanent - HybridCompensation: Negotiable with experienceBenefits:Casual dressCompany eventsDisability insuranceEmployee assistance programExtended health careLife insuranceOn-site parkingPaid time offTuition reimbursementVision careWellness programSchedule:Flexible schedule 35 hours/weekEducation:Master's Degree License/Certification:Have you obtained your Certification in Child Life? Required