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:
- Leverage innovation
- Cultivate talent
- Embrace improvement
- Build accountability
- Use data effectively
- 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,