(Internal Candidates Only) JDS - Canine Handler

Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center•Covington, LA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Operations, this role is responsible for the daily handling, care, and deployment of a therapeutic canine within a juvenile detention center. This role supports the facility's rehabilitative mission by using animal-assisted interventions to promote emotional regulation, positive behavior, and trauma-informed care among detained youth. The handler maintains full responsibility for the canine's well-being, including taking the animal home each evening and providing complete off-duty care. The position also performs all functions of a Juvenile Detention Staff (JDS) and must comply with the requirements and essential job functions of that role.

Requirements

Minimum of 1 year experience as a Juvenile Detention Staff (JDS)
Demonstrated experience working with dogs, animal handling, or animal-assisted programs
Ability and willingness to house the therapeutic canine in the handler's home and provide off-duty care
Physical ability to handle and control a canine safely.
High school diploma or GED
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
The handler must agree to take the assigned canine home at the end of each workday, weekends, and holidays, and to bring the canine to the facility each workday unless otherwise directed by the Director of Operations
Maintain all training requirements set forth by DCFS
The handler must recognize that a close working relationship and bond will develop between themselves and the canine. This bond must be taken into consideration at the animal's retirement. Accordingly, the handler agrees to assume ownership and adopt the canine upon retirement and, where deemed appropriate, upon the handler's separation from employment.

Responsibilities

Safely handle and supervise a therapeutic canine during all interactions with youth, staff, volunteers and visitors
Facilitate structured and unstructured therapeutic interactions between youth and the canine
Support emotional regulation, stress reduction, and positive social skills through animal-assisted activities
Monitor youth and canine behavior at all times to ensure safety and appropriateness of interactions
Maintain control of the canine in secure and non-secure areas of the facility.
Assume full responsibility for the canine's care, including housing the canine in the handler's home outside of work hours
Provide daily feeding, grooming, exercise, training reinforcement, and socialization
Transport the canine safely to and from the detention center each workday
Monitor the canine's physical and emotional health and report concerns promptly
Coordinate and attend veterinary appointments, vaccinations, and routine health care as required.
Maintain accurate records related to canine care, training, health, and applicable program activities
Follow all facility policies, safety protocols, and therapeutic program guidelines
Perform ongoing staff training related to canine handling
Collaborate with facility staff, mental health professionals, and administrators to support program goals.