Medical Dog Handler

Childrensheartclinic; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pediatric health system in Minnesota seeks a Medical Dog Handler to deliver therapeutic interventions using a therapy dog to address the psychosocial needs of pediatric patients. This role also includes responsibilities akin to those of Child Life Specialists, focusing on creating supportive environments for children and families during medical care.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement benefits

Fringe benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a clinical pediatric setting as a Certified Child Life Specialist or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of child development and psychosocial needs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a handler for an assigned therapy dog, delivering therapeutic interventions.
• Assist medical staff to reduce distress and promote coping in pediatric patients.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Understanding of child development

Experience working with dogs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Life or related field

Certification as a Child Life Specialist

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Job description

About Children’s Minnesota

Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota dedicated exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent, not-for-profit organization since 1924, it serves children throughout the Upper Midwest with two hospitals, nine primary care clinics, multiple specialty clinics, and seven rehabilitation sites. Recognized as the Kids' Experts in the region, Children’s Minnesota is regularly ranked as a top children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit childrensMN.org.

Children’s Minnesota was also named a 2023 Top Diversity Leader by Modern Healthcare, recognizing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and public policy.

Department Overview

The Child Life team promotes the development of children to optimize their responses to medical care, minimize psychological stress and trauma, and enhance understanding and coping with health experiences. They provide opportunities for mastery, play, learning, self-expression, family involvement, and peer interaction. As part of the healthcare team, child life staff advocate for children and families in various settings and serve as resources on child development and health experiences.

Position Summary

The Medical Dog Handler will serve as a handler for an assigned therapy dog, delivering interventions that address the psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and their families. This role supports medical staff across settings, aiming to reduce distress, support development, and promote coping through therapeutic interactions. When not with patients, the handler will perform duties similar to those of a Child Life Specialist, Music Therapist, or related roles, depending on their training and experience.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Child Life Specialist by the Child Life Certification Commission
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Bachelor's degree in Child Life or related field
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a clinical pediatric setting as a Certified Child Life Specialist or equivalent

Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of child development and psychosocial needs
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to create a safe, supportive environment for patients and families
• Experience working with dogs is preferred

The salary range is competitive and based on market data. Compensation considers factors such as skills, education, experience, internal equity, and organizational needs. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other fringe benefits. Night, weekend, or on-call shifts may qualify for additional pay. All offers are contingent upon background checks, health assessments, drug screening, and verification of employment eligibility.

Children’s Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.