Job Summary:

The Child Life Specialist - Facility Dog Handler will provide therapeutic interventions utilizing therapy dog at bedside, in clinics, and throughout the medical center for patients and family members as referred by healthcare team (procedural support, co-treating with nursing and physical therapy, companionship visits, comfort for families facing difficult situations, end of life, etc.) Will maintain all requirements for dog handling set out by Canine Assistants regarding weight management, vet care, home environment, grooming, and reporting. Assesses needs of the dog throughout the work shift, and provide adequate rest and down time. Coordinates referral process from units/clinics that do not have dogs placed with them, ascertaining that these referrals are answered as soon as possible and appropriately. The Child Life Specialist - Facility Dog Handler will also create opportunities for the dogs to participate in group settings with patients and families. Facilitates a schedule for staff rounding, collaborating with Work Hardiness committee and the Blue Zone initiative to optimize staff support opportunities. Benchmarks with other institutions with a facility dog program to determine best practice for facility dog programming. Collaborates with Volunteer Services in the facilitation of the Animal-Assisted Therapy Visitation Program. Will also creates sustainability of the program by working with the Foundation to identify grants and other donor opportunities for ongoing financial stability.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Child Life. Must have completed a child life internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist. Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential required or ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree preferred and at least 2 years' experience.

Work Days:

M-F Occasional weekends/evenings

Message to Applicants:

Recruitment Office: Human Resources

Executive Order:

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.