Your Opportunity:

The Alberta Children's Hospital (ACH) employs a vibrant and growing program of Child Life Specialists and Therapeutic Arts Practitioners. We are seeking a trained and skilled Horticultural Therapist to lead the development, implementation and evaluation of horticultural therapy programs at ACH. Both individual and group sessions are provided to children, youth and their families within inpatient units and outpatient clinic areas, fostering a family centered care approach. Responsibilities include horticultural therapy programming, collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, patient care documentation, administrative tasks (ordering, supplies, etc.), training and supervising volunteers and students, participation in department meetings. The Horticultural Therapist will also assist with the maintenance of the greenhouse, indoor plants, grounds and related garden facilities and function in accordance with the professional standards of practice of the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association.

Description:

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.