Temporary, Part-Time (0.5) (until September 2026)
Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. CHEO also honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.
CHEO is one of the few stand-alone, global leaders in pediatric health and is home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives. Within its own walls and through partnerships with community providers, CHEO has transformed from a 20th century acute care hospital into a 21st century integrated child and youth health system.
Ranked in the top 1% of Canadian hospitals for the digitization of its clinical infrastructure, CHEO combines excellence in clinical care, research, and education to advance seamless care that’s provided where, when, and how it is needed. CHEO’s Research Institute is dedicated to world-class clinical, translational, and basic science research covering a wide range of children’s health concerns. CHEO has been named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and is ranked second among Canadian hospitals on its list of Canada’s Best Employers for multiple consecutive years. For the 14th consecutive year in a row, the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers has recognized CHEO as a top employer in the National Capital Region. Every year CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.
POSITION SUMMARY
This Exercise Specialist role is an on-site position in CHEO’s Cardiology Clinic. The Exercise Specialist will provide sub-specialty medical care, promote capacity among families and community providers caring for this population, foster collaborative relationships and partnerships that support seamless transitions between health care and community; provide a setting for clinical and epidemiological evaluation and research; and promote the dissemination of knowledge in the field of paediatric cardiology.
The Exercise Specialist will coordinate patient intake and assessments, complete Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) exams, conduct evaluations of physical fitness and mental skills, and will analyze and present results and significance to the healthcare team. The Exercise Specialist will offer physical activity and mental skills counseling to patients and families referred to the CHEO Cardiology Clinic; design/develop and deliver group teaching sessions; support patients as they transition back into community activities and assist with continuing development and delivery of the exercise and physical activity. The Exercise Specialist functions as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team and attends and participates in patient rounds and conferences with medical, nursing and allied health personnel.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides initial and follow-up physical activity and mental skills assessments and counselling to patients of the CHEO Cardiology Clinic and their families.
- Possess extensive knowledge of physical activity assessment and monitoring strategies
- Develops and maintains teaching tools and patient handouts.
- Participates in facilitation of group education, coping and behaviour modification sessions.
- Works closely with the family and other members of the interdisciplinary team in providing physical activity information and developing a comprehensive physical activity plan for clients.
- Provides pertinent physical activity and fitness information to individuals over the telephone as required.
- Extensive teaching of families and other health care professionals including students.
- Continuous learning to develop expertise in the specialties.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters degree in Physical Activity Counseling or related field (Essential)
- Registered Kinesiologist with the College of Kinesiology of Ontario (Preferred)
- Must be able to work Tuesdays and Thursdays. Clinic hours are 8am-4pm Monday to Friday (Essential)
- Experience in physical activity assessment and counselling (Essential)
- Excellent interpersonal and teaching skills (Essential)
- Police Record Check (Essential)
- Bilingualism (French/English) (Preferred)
Timeline may be extended or shortened based on operational needs.
You will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Please note that this position will be based out of Ottawa. Please note that location may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of the employer. All OPSEU members shall be granted an interview upon passing the pre-screening. Pre-screening might include testing.
Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested.
Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.
Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at TalentAcquisition@cheo.on.ca. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
CHEO is committed to providing a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors. Consistent with that commitment, all applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be considered for any staff or volunteer opportunities. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to receive their COVID-19 booster shots when eligible to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Upon hiring, presentation of government issued documentation confirming full vaccination must be provided, or presentation of supporting documentation of a valid medical contraindication or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.