At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct clinical assessments for preschoolers suspected of autism and provide tailored support.
- Company: Join IWK Health, a leading healthcare provider dedicated to children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly wage, mentorship opportunities, and wellness programs.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and equity in a collaborative team focused on community care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Masters in psychology and relevant pediatric experience required.
Department/Program: Preschool Autism Diagnostics, Provincial Preschool Autism Services
Location: Halifax
Type of Employment: Temporary Hourly FT long-assignment (100% FTE) until January 2028 x 1 position(s)
Start Date: December 2026
Union Status: NSGEU Hlthcare, Healthcare Bargaining Unit
Compensation: $42.2138 - $60.344/hour
Closing Date: 26-Oct-26 (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)
IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia. People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities. We recognize each other’s talent and celebrate our successes. We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values, and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs.
The Provincial Preschool Autism Service (PPAS) is a partnership between IWK Health (IWK), Nova Scotia Health (NSH), Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia (HSNS) and Autism Nova Scotia (Autism NS). It provides person and family-centred services to preschoolers across Nova Scotia who are suspected of or have a diagnosis of autism. The goal of the service is to provide an efficient, sustainable, and integrated continuum of health services that follows a needs-based model responsive to the individual needs of children and their families.
Services include a range of interventions and supports available for children and families. Service streams include:
- Clinical intake and care coordination
- Family and health professional education
- QuickStart NS parent coaching toddler program
- Autism diagnostic assessment
- Interprofessional autism interventions
- Intensive intervention for children with the greatest social communication and behaviour needs
- Transition to school supports
The Masters Psychologist position is responsible for completing clinical diagnostic assessments of children who are suspected of having a diagnosis of autism. The role may serve both preschool and school age children; diagnostics is the only area of the provincial preschool autism service that serves school age children.
Diagnostic Assessment resources are part of the Provincial Preschool Autism Service and are integrated with existing autism diagnostic services provincially. Diagnostic services are supported by a Clinical Leader, Diagnostics and psychologists assigned to the Diagnostic Assessment stream of service in PPAS work within a system that reduces variations in access to autism assessment for families provincially and meets standard wait time benchmarks.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday; 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Your Qualifications:
- Masters degree from a Canadian Psychological Association or American Psychological Association accredited program in clinical, school or other relevant area of applied psychology, including the completion of a year-long residency (child/adolescent focused).
- Graduate degree in clinical, school or other relevant applied area of Psychology (MA/MSc).
- Registration or eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology (NSRP).
- Three to five years of relevant pediatric work experience.
- Knowledge of psychology (e.g., abnormal, social, developmental).
- Knowledge of research methods and statistics.
- Knowledge of psychological assessment, psychological measurement and diagnosis.
- Knowledge of evidence-based intervention techniques.
- Knowledge of best practices in psychology.
- Knowledge of professional, ethical and legal issues related to the profession and area of practice.
- Competencies in other languages an asset.
Thank you for your interest in IWK Health. Please note that we only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If we invite you to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.
This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.
An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.
If you are an employee of IWK Health, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.
Psychologist in Halifax employer: Nova Scotia Health Authority
Nova Scotia Health is an exceptional employer that prioritizes the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities while making a meaningful impact on healthcare services across the province. The diverse and inclusive environment, combined with the chance to work at various sites, ensures that every day brings new challenges and rewards in your career.
Contact Details:
Nova Scotia Health Authority Recruitment Team
