Child Life Specialist / Facility Dog Handler Job at Beacon Health System, South Bend, IN

V2FzOFRiWEhRNlNxeG1LRnUvZzFMaXlEclE9PQ==
  • Beacon Health System
  • South Bend, IN

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

Internship, Flexible hours, Night shift,

Similar Jobs

McDonald's

Shift Manager - McDonald's Job at McDonald's

 ...during the shift, taking action to ensure the team is meeting McDonalds standards, monitoring safety, security, and profitability, and...  .... You must be 18 years or older to be a manager in our corporate owned and operated restaurants. Additional Info: Along... 

Hidden Talent Bee

Female Model Job at Hidden Talent Bee

 ...Hidden Talent Bee is a premier agency specializing in adult modeling, dedicated to celebrating and showcasing diverse and bold forms...  ...all professional interactions Qualifications: Previous experience in adult modeling or related fields is preferred, but not required... 

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc

Quality Engineer II Job at Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc

 ...An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/VE-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment... 

IGT

Fraud Analyst I Job at IGT

 ...entertainment, your next big move starts here. For more information, please visit or Overview IGT is seeking a Payment Services Fraud Analyst to join our Cashless Payments Team based in Providence, RI. Reports directly to the Manager of Fraud and Risk Services, Payment... 

HCTec

Epic Certified Application Analyst (Various Modules) Job at HCTec

 ...Epic Certification Required in any of the following:Ambulatory, Beacon, MyChart, Phoenix,Care Everywhere, Ortho, Healthy Planet...  ...if it could be a fit for your future. Job Details: Epic Application Coordinators are responsible for supporting HCTec clients through...