At Rady Children’s Hospital, we believe in the power of furry friends to soothe during challenging times—and canine therapy supports our team of experts in delivering the best that pediatric medicine has to offer. Playing an important role in comprehensive treatment and care for the whole child, canine therapy enriches the patient experience with joy and companionship and enhances healing with proven therapeutic benefits.

 

Rady Children’s Resident Canine Therapy integrates canine therapy into children’s treatment plans to support progress and improve outcomes. Provided by full-time, certified therapists and professional, clinically trained dogs, this therapy:

• Reduces pain, fear, anxiety and stress during a hospital stay, scary procedure or after a traumatic event
• Motivates, inspires confidence and boosts morale of child, family members and care team, encouraging communication and supporting coping and progress toward treatment goals
• Soothes feelings of loss and loneliness and offers unconditional love and acceptance through physical contact and soft touch

 

JOB SUMMARY:

 

The Child Life Specialist - Resident Dog Handler is a member of the healthcare team who focuses on the emotional and developmental needs of children and families to reduce stress and anxiety associated with a healthcare experience through play, education, preparation, and other therapeutic interventions, enabling children and families to cope more effectively and encouraging optimum development of children facing challenging experiences. The resident dog serves as the primary source of intervention with patients and families. The handler is responsible for the care of the resident dog 24/7.   The hospital will cover the expenses for the dog (food, vet, grooming, toys/treats, costumes/outfits, etc.).

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 1 Year of Experience
• BLS for Healthcare Providers (American Heart Association)
• CA Driver’s License
• Proof of Auto Insurance
• Certified Child Life Specialist or eligible to meet certification requirements within 1 year of employment
• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Life, Child Development, psychology, or related field with an emphasis in Child Life (meeting the 10-coursework requirement set forth by the ACLP)
• Completion of a 600-hour pediatric Child Life internship in accordance with the guidelines established by the Association of Child Life Professionals
• Must successfully complete required training from Canine Companions within 18-months of employment, paid for by the hospital
• Demonstrated commitment to respecting differences and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 

• 2 Years of experience
• Resident Dog Handler Experience

 

 

Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.