Clinical Facility Dog Handler - Child Life

Cleveland Clinic

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At Cleveland Clinic Health System, we believe in a better future for healthcare. And each of us is responsible for honoring our commitment to excellence, pushing the boundaries and transforming the patient experience, every day. We all have the power to help, heal and change lives — beginning with our own. That’s the power of the Cleveland Clinic Health System team, and The Power of Every One. Job Details Join Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world class and caregivers are family. Here, you will work alongside a passionate and dedicated team, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world. As a Facility Dog Handler, you will utilize goal-directed Animal-Assisted Therapy interventions to support patients, their families and Cleveland Clinic caregivers with various healthcare needs. With compassion and empathy, you will provide emotional, behavioral, receptive/expressive, cognitive and physical support, using the Facility Dog to facilitate a fun way to engage patients in their treatment throughout Northeast Ohio. This role offers an excellent opportunity to not only enhance the continuum of care but also grow your skills in behavioral health, animal handling and direct patient interactions. A caregiver in this position works days from 8:00AM - 4:30PM.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Child Life, Recreational Therapy, Child Development or a related field
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation OR active Child Life Certification (CCLS) through the Association of Child Life Professionals
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) certification within 90 days of hire
Completion of required training with certification from the Facility Dog Training Placement Organization
Comfort working with children and animals

Nice To Haves

Five years of experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist or Recreational Therapist in a pediatric healthcare setting
Specialist in a pediatric healthcare setting

Responsibilities

Utilize the facility dog to provide therapeutic interventions in a variety of clinical settings, including the inpatient units and outpatient areas.
Function as a key member of the healthcare team, communicating all relevant developmental and psychosocial information to other team members via charting, participation in team meetings, etc.
Participate in the planning and implementation of special events and programming that involve the facility dog.
Develop and assist with projects addressing the needs of patients and families in line with the goals of the facility dog program and are identified by the Child Life, Therapy Services, and/or other teams.
Develop and implement educational seminars that address psychosocial needs and challenges of hospitalization and the clinical benefits of utilizing a facility dog.
Maintain all requirements for dog handling set out by the placement facility dog organization regarding weight management, vet care, home environment, grooming, recurrent teaching and reporting.
Assess the needs of the dog throughout the work shift to provide adequate rest and down time.
Maintain program statistics to assess and evaluate the quality of programming and to make necessary adjustments.
Facilitate animal care and activities in a manner that ensures cleanliness and prevention of infection.
Document interactions and program validity accurately in medical and other records as needed.
Collaborate with clinical staff to create opportunities for the facility dog to be included in applicable research.
Attend approved events with the facility dog.
Assess the developmental, social and physical needs of assigned population and provide appropriate interventions, such as preparations and therapeutic play integrating the facility dog.
Provide supervision to volunteers, students and interns.
Participate in individual and clinical group supervision.
Facilitate patient and parent adjustment to the healthcare environment utilizing the facility dog as appropriate.
Assume responsibility and accountability for assigned administrative tasks.
Contribute to planning and control processes of the budget by participating in the development and maintenance of inventory.