Child Life Specialist/Dog Handler

The role of the Child Life Therapist/Facility Dog Handler is to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the psychosocial needs of the patients and families we serve. The Child Life Therapist will utilize the facility dog to provide psychosocial support, plan and implement activities to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of the child within the inpatient and outpatient settings. The CCLS will utilize appropriate principles of growth and development, act as an advocate for patients and families and provide age appropriate medical teaching and distraction, again utilizing the facility dog as an extension of their work to help meet goals and objectives during their hospital stay.

Qualifications

Required:

• Completion of a 600 hour Child Life internship
• Must be willing and able to complete facility dog handler training through service dog organization
• Bachelor Degree - Completion of Bachelors Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Education or other health-related field
• Certified Child Life Specialist - Child Life Certification or must be eligible to sit for exam. Must obtain Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential within 12 months of hire

Desired:

• One year in a healthcare setting