CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST

Department: Psychosocial, Grief and Bereavement

Reports To: Manager, Psychosocial, Grief and Bereavement Services

Location: 277 Stone Church Road East, Hamilton, ON L9B 1B1

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Band: To be determined

Effective Date: Immediately

POSITION SUMMARY

The Child Life Specialist provides compassionate, developmentally appropriate clinical grief and bereavement support to children, teens, and families experiencing the serious illness or death of a loved one. The role prioritizes direct therapeutic work, helping young people understand concepts of death and dying, process anticipatory grief, cope during end-of-life experiences, and navigate bereavement after a loss through evidence-informed, trauma-informed practice.

The Specialist delivers individualized support, facilitates therapeutic play and expressive activities, and leads group programs to promote healthy coping and emotional resilience, while also providing professional leadership for children’s grief programming across the Kemp Care Network.

This position plays a key role in delivering and strengthening KCN’s children’s grief services for children and youth from across the city who are grieving a wide range of losses (e.g., parents, grandparents, siblings, friends). The Child Life Specialist also supports the planning and delivery of Camp Keaton, an annual weekend grief camp, as part of a broader continuum of children’s grief supports.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Child Life or a related clinical discipline (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Counselling) from a recognized university or college.
• Minimum 3 – 5 years of direct, clinical practice providing grief and bereavement support to children and youth (individual and/or group).
• Experience working with children and families experiencing illness, grief, bereavement, or trauma.
• Hospice, palliative care, and/or other healthcare experience is required.
• Strong skills in play-based interventions, child development, and supporting grief across developmental stages.
• Compassionate, emotionally resilient, excellent communicator, demonstrated ability to build rapport and trust with children, and history of strong family engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, with a high degree of professional autonomy and initiative.
• Ability to assess and support volunteers supporting children and family programming.
• Must have, or be willing to secure, a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) designation or eligibility is strongly preferred.
• Applicants with an MSW/RSW, psychology, or other graduate-level clinical background who have significant experience in children’s grief and bereavement (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) are also encouraged to apply.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated competence in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and safety planning for children and youth experiencing grief and loss.
• Ability to establish rapport and therapeutic alliance with children and youth who are grieving.
• Demonstrated clinical competence in trauma-informed, child- and family-centred grief and bereavement care.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations, including equity-deserving and marginalized communities.
• Self-starter with strong initiative, able to identify needs, adapt supports (including outreach to schools or community settings), and respond within established clinical and organizational guidelines.
• Strong organizational, time management, and program coordination skills.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential (or eligibility in progress) and/or other advanced training in children’s grief, bereavement, and trauma-informed practice are strong assets.
• If you do not have specific certifications, but have palliative care, grief and bereavement, child life, trauma-informed practice, or related specialty training, please describe this in your application.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Support to Children & Families

• Provide clinical leadership for children’s grief services across Kemp Care Network, ensuring services are trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to community needs.
• Conduct person-centred assessments of emotional, developmental, and psychosocial needs to create individualized support plans. Collaborate with other psychosocial hospice team members to provide cohesive support.
• Provide clinical, 1:1 grief and psychosocial support for children and adolescents affected by the illness or death of a family member or other significant person.
• Use developmentally appropriate language, play-based interventions, and expressive therapies (art, music, storytelling, journaling) to help children understand illness, death, and grief.
• Offer anticipatory grief support to children with a loved one receiving hospice care.
• Collaborate with parents/guardians to enhance communication, strengthen family coping strategies, and guide them in supporting grieving children.
• Assess and respond to crisis situations, risk indicators, and safety concerns with appropriate clinical judgment and referral.

Program Development & Group Interventions

• Contribute to delivering and strengthening the ongoing children’s grief program, with opportunities for program development and enhancement.
• Facilitate grief support groups for children and teens, both in-person and/or virtual.
• Develop and maintain age-appropriate grief resources, activities, and educational materials.
• Plan, organize, and co-lead the organization’s children’s grief camp (Camp Keaton), including curriculum development, staff/volunteer support and training, activity planning, and onsite facilitation.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with hospice nurses, social workers, music therapists, counselors, and volunteers to ensure coordinated family-centered care.
• Provide educational webinars to community members about child development and grief responses as well as best practices for supporting children during end-of-life experiences.

Family & Community Outreach

• Serve as a resource to schools, community partners, and other agencies regarding childhood grief and bereavement.
• Engage in culturally responsive outreach to ensure children and families from diverse backgrounds and equity-deserving populations have equitable access to grief support.
• Support outreach efforts that expand access to bereavement services.
• Occasional counselling sessions are provided in community or in a child’s home or school setting if this is necessary to facilitate a child’s access to grief support, with particular attention to reducing barriers such as transportation or school schedules.

Documentation & Administration

• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation in accordance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.
• Track program participation, evaluate outcomes, and support program improvement initiatives. Participate in quality improvement, data collection, and evaluation activities related to children’s grief services.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision and reflective practice to support professional development and self-care.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is an onsite position at Dr. Kemp’s House, working 37.5 hours per week during regular business hours, with on occasion evening or weekend hours, and occasional local travel
• The working environment is collaborative, dynamic, and mission-focused, with a commitment to diversity, accessibility, and supporting staff well-being

WHO WE ARE

Who We Are

Kemp Care Network (KCN) is more than just an organization; it’s a compassionate community dedicated to serving the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs of individuals and their loved ones, living with a serious illness, facing their last chapter or grieving a death.

Our History

Thirty years ago, Dr. Bob Kemp recognized an opportunity to redefine how palliative care was offered in the Greater Hamilton Area. Foremost, a founding value was to serve all, especially the most vulnerable. And it all started with a generous donation of land by Iris Berryman.

Mission/Vision

Mission

To care for every individual and their loved ones with dignity, compassion and attention to their physical, social and psychological well-being during times of serious, life-limiting illness and loss.

We lead, collaborate and drive meaningful improvements to palliative care services with partners across our community.

Vision

To establish KCN as a world-class leader in regional palliative-care in alignment with our founding values while evolving to best serve our community.

Values

• Dignity: We focus on quality of living and ensuring the experience of our residents and their families is based in dignity and respect.
• Compassion: Our care for residents and their families is based in compassion, empathy and kindness.
• Collaboration: We actively build relationships and work with partners and our community as part of a continuum of care.
• Inclusivity: We welcome diversity in our residents and deliver care in an inclusive manner that considers their unique needs.
• Excellence: We are dedicated to a high quality of care and strive to continually improve and contribute to the advancement of our field.

EQUITY & ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Kemp Care Network (KCN) is committed to providing equal treatment with respect to employment in accordance with the protected grounds established under the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will work to ensure that all employees (workers) are provided with meaningful employment that is ethical and fair, and is in compliance with all applicable employment, and human rights legislation. KCN provides accessible employment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. We strive to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for everyone by identifying and removing barriers in our workplace and ensuring that new barriers are not created. The organization ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities. We are committed to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and integrative manner that respects their dignity and independence. Accommodations are available on request for all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to make their needs known in advance.

Human Resources Specialist
Department: Human Resources Specialist
Reports To: Senior Director of Operations
Location: 277 Stone Church Road East, Hamilton, ON L9B 1B1
Employment Type: Full-time
Pay Band: To Be Determined

To apply to this position: fill in the form on this page

POSITION SUMMARY

Supports the full employee life cycle and ensure smooth HR operations, working closely with internal managers on hiring, onboarding, attendance, payroll and vacation administration and tracking, and coordinating day-to-day HR projects. In addition, will support records management, compliance and metrics, to support all core site HR programs and operational needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience (coordination or generalist), preferably in healthcare, nonprofit or unionized settings
• Postsecondary education in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field
• CHRP/CHRL (designation or in progress) preferred
• Satisfactory current criminal reference check, including vulnerable sector screening
• Payroll certification (asset, but not required)
• Experience in unionized environment an asset

Values and Compliance

• Demonstrated commitment to dignity, collaboration, compassion, empathy, inclusivity, excellence and continuous professional development
• Satisfactory current criminal reference check, including vulnerable sector screening, required

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Advanced multi-tasking abilities with strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated excellence in relationship-building and problem-solving; able to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams
• Strong project coordination and planning skills
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, support multiple managers and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Collaboration and team-building skills, to support staff development and engagement
• Demonstrated ability to support and manage change in values-driven, mission-orientated environments
• High degree of initiative, adaptability, confidentiality, able to handle sensitive information with discretion
• Highly proficient in Excel and other MS Office Suite applications, digital operations tools, knowledge of online HR/payroll systems (e.g. Dayforce, Ceridian or similar)
• Experience in recruiting for healthcare, nursing, or allied health roles a strong asset
• Experience with project coordination, compliance reporting and tracking
• Exposure to unionized environments and understanding of collective agreements

CERTIFICATIONS

• CHRP/CHRL designation (or in progress) strongly preferred
• Payroll certification while not required would be an asset
• Labour relations and Occupational Health and Safety training/certifications would be an asset

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive, hands-on HR support to managers and staff in all daily HR functions (including recruitment, payroll administration, onboarding, attendance, occupational health and safety, vacation, leaves, policy administration, employee relations)
• Maintain accurate HR records and dashboards; compile, analyze, and report HR and payroll-related data using Excel/spreadsheet tools
• Coordinate and track compliance documentation, training, performance management, and HR projects in partnership with organizational leaders
• Act as a resource for questions on scheduling, entitlements, contracts, collective agreements, and employment best practices
• Assist with year-end and periodic HR audits and reporting; facilitate communication among staff and leadership
• Collaborate on employee engagement activities and process improvements to support a culture of respect and compassion

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is an onsite position working 37.5 hours per week during regular business hours
• While typical work schedule is normally Monday to Friday, there will also be the ability to work flexible hours including occasional evening hours and weekends to meet the needs of the hospice
• Occasional travel may be necessary for collaboration with Hamilton Health Sciences and other hospice visits, training and off-site event attendance
• The working environment is collaborative, dynamic, and mission-focused, with a commitment to diversity, accessibility, and supporting staff well-being

WHO WE ARE

Who We Are

Kemp Care Network (KCN) is more than just an organization; it’s a compassionate community dedicated to serving the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs of individuals and their loved ones, living with a serious illness, facing their last chapter or grieving a death.

Our History

Thirty years ago, Dr. Bob Kemp recognized an opportunity to redefine how palliative care was offered in the Greater Hamilton Area. Foremost, a founding value was to serve all, especially the most vulnerable. And it all started with a generous donation of land by Iris Berryman.

Mission/Vision

Mission
To care for every individual and their loved ones with dignity, compassion and attention to their physical, social and psychological well-being during times of serious, life-limiting illness and loss. We lead, collaborate and drive meaningful improvements to palliative care services with partners across our community.

Vision
To establish KCN as a world-class leader in regional palliative-care in alignment with our founding values while evolving to best serve our community.

Values
• Dignity: We focus on quality of living and ensuring the experience of our residents and their families is based in dignity and respect.
• Compassion: Our care for residents and their families is based in compassion, empathy and kindness.
• Collaboration: We actively build relationships and work with partners and our community as part of a continuum of care.
• Inclusivity: We welcome diversity in our residents and deliver care in an inclusive manner that considers their unique needs.
• Excellence: We are dedicated to a high quality of care and strive to continually improve and contribute to the advancement of our field.

EQUITY & ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Kemp Care Network (KCN) is committed to providing equal treatment with respect to employment in accordance with the protected grounds established under the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will work to ensure that all employees (workers) are provided with meaningful employment that is ethical and fair, and is in compliance with all applicable employment, and human rights legislation.

KCN provides accessible employment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. We strive to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for everyone by identifying and removing barriers in our workplace and ensuring that new barriers are not created.

The organization ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities. We are committed to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and integrative manner that respects their dignity and independence.

Accommodations are available on request for all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to make their needs known in advance.

Communications & Engagement Lead
Department: Development
Reports To: Senior Director, Development; with a secondary, functional reporting relationship to the Chief Executive Officer
Location: 277 Stone Church Road East, Hamilton, ON L9B 1B1
Employment Type: Full-time
Pay Band: To Be Determined

To apply to this position: fill in the form on this page

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications and Engagement Lead plays a key role in sharing Kemp Care Network’s story and strengthening relationships with the community, partners, donors, and internal teams. This role balances strategic planning with hands-on delivery, ensuring that day-to-day communications and engagement activities are organized, timely, and aligned with Kemp Care Network’s mission and values.

The Communications and Engagement Lead develops and coordinates clear, compassionate, and consistent communications with a focus on storytelling, stakeholder engagement, social media, and brand integrity. The role has primary responsibility for social media and digital engagement, alongside broader communications activities that highlight hospice, grief and bereavement, and pediatric hospice services in an approachable, person-centred way.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience
• Approximately 4 – 6 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing or engagement roles, ideally in healthcare, hospice, nonprofit, or community-based settings
• Demonstrated experience planning and delivering communications and engagement activities (e.g., campaigns, newsletters, event communications, digital content) with multiple stakeholders
• Hands-on experience managing organizational social media channels, including content planning, posting and monitoring
• Experience writing and editing for multiple channels (web, email, print, social) and adapting for different audiences
• Comfort working with digital tools such as email marketing platforms, social media scheduling tools, basic design tools (e.g. Canva), and website content management systems.

Values and Compliance

• Demonstrated commitment to dignity, collaboration, compassion, empathy, inclusivity, excellence and continuous professional development
• Satisfactory current criminal reference check, including vulnerable sector screening, required

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with clear, concise, and audience appropriate style.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate organizational priorities into practical communication and engagement plans.
• Project coordination and organizational skills, including managing timelines, multiple priorities, and approvals.
• Relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues across programs, leadership, and external partners.
• High degree of empathy, discretion, and professionalism when working with sensitive stories related to serious illness, grief, and end-of-life care.
• Initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Commitment to Kemp Care Network’s values of dignity, compassion, collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Professional certifications in communications, public relations, or digital marketing (e.g., CPRS APR, IABC CMP, Google Analytics, Meta or Hootsuite social media certificates) are considered an asset.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate internal and external communications plans that support Kemp Care Network programs, fundraising initiatives, and the launch and growth of Keaton’s House.
• Lead social media and digital engagement including content planning, creation, posting, community management, and analytics across platforms.
• Create and edit content such as newsletters, website copy, campaign materials, key messages, and talking points that reflect Kemp Care Network’s voice and values.
• Support storytelling by working with staff, volunteers, and families (where appropriate) to share experiences that illustrate the impact of hospice and grief services with sensitivity and respect.
• Coordinate communications for programs and events such as grief and bereavement programs, Camp Keaton, Day Wellness, and signature fundraising events, ensuring timelines, approvals, and deliverables are clearly tracked.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (e.g., agencies, designers, printers) to manage assets and ensure consistency in messaging and visual identity.
• Support media and public relations activities, including preparing background materials, drafting basic media content, and coordinating responses with leadership as needed.
• Maintain shared communications calendars and support updates to the website and other digital channels to keep content accurate, accessible, and current.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is an onsite position working 37.5 hours per week during regular business hours
• While typical work schedule is normally Monday to Friday, there will also be the ability to work flexible hours including occasional evening hours and weekends to meet the needs of the hospice
• Occasional travel may be necessary for collaboration with Hamilton Health Sciences and other hospice visits, training and off-site event attendance
• The working environment is collaborative, dynamic, and mission-focused, with a commitment to diversity, accessibility, and supporting staff well-being

WHO WE ARE

Who We Are

Kemp Care Network (KCN) is more than just an organization; it’s a compassionate community dedicated to serving the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs of individuals and their loved ones, living with a serious illness, facing their last chapter or grieving a death.

Our History

Thirty years ago, Dr. Bob Kemp recognized an opportunity to redefine how palliative care was offered in the Greater Hamilton Area. Foremost, a founding value was to serve all, especially the most vulnerable. And it all started with a generous donation of land by Iris Berryman.

Mission/Vision

Mission
To care for every individual and their loved ones with dignity, compassion and attention to their physical, social and psychological well-being during times of serious, life-limiting illness and loss. We lead, collaborate and drive meaningful improvements to palliative care services with partners across our community.

Vision
To establish KCN as a world-class leader in regional palliative-care in alignment with our founding values while evolving to best serve our community.

Values
• Dignity: We focus on quality of living and ensuring the experience of our residents and their families is based in dignity and respect.
• Compassion: Our care for residents and their families is based in compassion, empathy and kindness.
• Collaboration: We actively build relationships and work with partners and our community as part of a continuum of care.
• Inclusivity: We welcome diversity in our residents and deliver care in an inclusive manner that considers their unique needs.
• Excellence: We are dedicated to a high quality of care and strive to continually improve and contribute to the advancement of our field.

EQUITY & ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Kemp Care Network (KCN) is committed to providing equal treatment with respect to employment in accordance with the protected grounds established under the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will work to ensure that all employees (workers) are provided with meaningful employment that is ethical and fair, and is in compliance with all applicable employment, and human rights legislation.

KCN provides accessible employment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. We strive to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for everyone by identifying and removing barriers in our workplace and ensuring that new barriers are not created.

The organization ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities. We are committed to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and integrative manner that respects their dignity and independence.

Accommodations are available on request for all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to make their needs known in advance.

Senior Director of Operations – Palliative Care Leadership

Location: 277 Stonechurch Rd E, Hamilton, ON L9B1B1

Type: Full-time, Hybrid

Employer: Kemp Care Network

Apply Today!

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and lead a values-driven team, join us in shaping the future of hospice palliative care in Hamilton and the Greater Hamilton Area. Use the “submit resume here” form on this page.

Who We Are

Kemp Care Network is a leading nonprofit provider of hospice palliative care in Hamilton, Ontario, serving individuals and families facing progressive life-limiting illness, grief, or loss. Our ten-bed residential hospice – Dr. Kemp’s House – offers compassionate, patient-centered care that focuses on quality of life, dignity, and emotional support. Through community outreach, grief and bereavement support, and education initiatives, Kemp Care Network leads the Greater Hamilton Area in delivering holistic support for families, caregivers, and individuals navigating palliative care. With more than thirty years of experience, we are recognized for our commitment to excellence in palliative care, bereavement programs, and nonprofit healthcare leadership in Ontario.​

About the Role

Join a leading and widely respected team committed to innovation and excellence in hospice palliative care. You’ll oversee clinical and administrative operations for Dr. Kemp’s House, lead quality improvement, and collaborate closely with our CEO and Executive Leadership Team to advance best practices and foster a culture of inquiry, growth, and compassionate leadership in Hamilton’s nonprofit healthcare sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for hospice operations to support organizational growth and excellence.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams, building an environment of collaboration, learning, and inclusion.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation for programs supported by multiple funding sources.
• Implement and oversee healthcare systems, organizational reporting, and policy standards to ensure compliance and excellence.
• Represent Kemp Care Network among Ontario’s regional health partners and sector committees.
• Participate in a rotation for after-hours and on-call coverage as part of the executive leadership team.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in business, healthcare administration, or related field; advanced degree (MBA, MSc) an asset.
• 10+ years’ experience in health, hospice, or nonprofit environments (inclusive of 5-7+ years’ of senior leadership experience).
• Proven experience in strategy, team-building, budget oversight, and quality improvement.
• Demonstrated commitment to compassionate care, equity, and operational excellence.
• Strong communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills.

Kemp Care Network Values

• Dignity: We focus on quality of living and ensuring the experience of our residents and their families is based in dignity and respect.
• Compassion: Our care for residents and their families is based in compassion, empathy, and kindness.
• Inclusivity: We welcome diversity in our residents and deliver care in an inclusive manner that considers their unique needs.
• Collaboration: We actively build relationships and work with partners and our community as part of a continuum of care.
• Excellence: We are dedicated to a high quality of care and strive to continually improve and contribute to the advancement of our field.​

Diversity & Accessibility

Kemp Care Network is committed to providing equal treatment with respect to employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. We strive to ensure all employees and applicants are provided with meaningful employment that is ethical, fair, and compliant with all applicable human rights and accessibility laws. Accommodations are available upon request at any stage of the hiring process, per AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code.​

Working Conditions

• This is an hybrid position working 37.5 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday.
• Four days in office and one day remote per week.
• The ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evening hours and weekends to meet the needs of the hospice – including participation in the on-call rotation – is required.​
• Occasional travel within Hamilton to partner organizations and community events may be required.

Apply Today!

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and lead a values-driven team, join us in shaping the future of hospice palliative care in Hamilton and the Greater Hamilton Area. Use the “submit resume here” form on this page.