Job Description

Join Our Team at Cleveland Clinic!

Welcome to Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus, where innovation meets compassion! Here, you’ll be part of a dedicated team that’s transforming healthcare through advanced research, cutting-edge technology, and world-class patient care. We believe our caregivers are family, and we’re excited to invite you to build a rewarding career with us!

Your Role: Facility Dog Handler

As a Facility Dog Handler , you will play a vital role in enhancing the lives of patients and their families through goal-directed Animal-Assisted Therapy. With your compassion and empathy, you’ll provide emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and physical support, using our Facility Dog to create engaging and therapeutic experiences throughout Northeast Ohio.

Work Schedule: This position operates during the day from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM .

What You’ll Do:

• Utilize the facility dog to deliver therapeutic interventions in various clinical settings, including inpatient units and outpatient areas.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team, sharing important developmental and psychosocial information through charting and team meetings.
• Plan and implement special events and programs featuring the facility dog.
• Assist in projects that address the needs of patients and families, aligning with the goals of the facility dog program.
• Develop educational seminars on the psychosocial benefits of utilizing a facility dog.
• Maintain all dog handling requirements set by the placement facility dog organization.
• Assess the needs of the dog during shifts to ensure proper rest and care.
• Document interactions and program effectiveness accurately in medical records.
• Facilitate animal care while ensuring cleanliness and infection prevention.
• Supervise volunteers, students, and interns, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Participate in individual and group supervision sessions.
• Support patient and parent adjustment to the healthcare environment using the facility dog.
• Contribute to budget planning and inventory management.

What We’re Looking For:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Life, Recreational Therapy, Child Development, or a related field.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or active Child Life Certification (CCLS).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Why Join Us?

At Cleveland Clinic, our caregivers are dedicated to creating the best outcomes for our patients. We offer a supportive environment where you can grow your skills and make a real difference in the lives of others.

Physical Requirements:

• Full range of body motion, including handling and lifting patients and a facility dog.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Corrected vision and hearing within normal range.
• Ability to work under stress and irregular hours, with exposure to communicable diseases.
• Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Adhere to Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Salaries shown on independent job search websites reflect various market averages and do not represent information obtained directly from The Cleveland Clinic. We value each candidate and encourage discussions about salary specifics during the application and hiring process.

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