Job Description

The Child Life Specialist / Facility Dog Handler provides emotional, developmental, and psychosocial support to pediatric patients and their families during hospital stays, outpatient visits, and surgeries. This role promotes a child- and family-centered care environment through therapeutic play, education, and emotional support. When assigned, the specialist also incorporates animal-assisted interventions using a trained facility dog.

Our Mission, Values & Service Goals

• Mission: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• Values: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• Service Goals: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Key Responsibilities

Pediatric Support

• Assess and address the developmental and emotional needs of patients.
• Create individualized care plans with appropriate interventions.
• Provide play, procedural preparation, and coping strategies.
• Support children during medical procedures.

Family Support

• Partner with families to support their child's care experience.
• Educate caregivers on development and coping techniques.
• Facilitate communication between families and care teams.
• Assist siblings and other family members as needed.

Team Collaboration

• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning.
• Share child development expertise with staff.
• Mentor volunteers and team members in child-friendly care practices.

Facility Dog Integration (If Applicable)

• Use trained facility dogs to support emotional well-being.
• Assist during high-stress or bereavement situations.
• Manage the care, grooming, and handling of the dog.

Program & Environment

• Maintain safe and engaging play spaces.
• Plan special events and manage program materials.
• Contribute to policy development and care environment design.

Innovation & Best Practice

• Apply evidence-based techniques and creative interventions.
• Support program improvement and patient engagement strategies.

Additional Duties

• Attend meetings and complete required training.
• Maintain certifications and respond to staffing needs as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Child Development, Education, or related field.
• 500+ hours of clinical internship in a Child Life setting.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) or eligible within 6 months.
• Facility Dog Handlers: Completion of an approved handler training program.

The Beacon Way

All team members are expected to:

1. Leverage innovation
2. Cultivate talent
3. Embrace improvement
4. Build accountability
5. Use data effectively
6. Communicate clearly

Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of child development and therapeutic practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and emotional intelligence.
• Proficiency in documentation and clinical systems.

Working Conditions

• Regular work in clinical and outpatient areas.
• May require flexible hours, including nights or weekends.
• Physical activity includes lifting, kneeling, and organizing materials.
• Dog Handlers are responsible for daily care and management of the dog.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs