Pediatric Child Life Specialist and Therapy Dog Handler

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc. seeks a dedicated Child Life specialist to plan and provide therapeutic interventions using a hospital facility dog for pediatric patients and families.

The role focuses on helping children cope with healthcare experiences, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and supervising staff and volunteers in the Animal Assisted Therapy program. Requires internship hours and pediatric hospital experience; bilingual skills preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree as required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Completion of 480-hour professional Child Life Internship.
• Minimum 4000 hours of professional Child Life Specialist hospital experience.
• Experience with animals in a therapeutic setting preferred.
• Bilingual English-Spanish skills preferred.
• Current BLS certification for Healthcare Provider required.
• CCLS credential required; CTRS preferred.
• Training related to handling service/therapeutic animals preferred.

Responsibilities

• Primary handler of the Child Life facility dog.
• Utilize facility dog to enhance clinical practice and meet patient goals.
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and co-treat with staff.
• Document patient assessments, interventions and outcomes in the medical record.
• Provide training, supervision and evaluation of assistants and interns.
• Coordinate referrals and safety monitoring for the facility dog.

Skills

Bilingual English-Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Master's degree in Child Life, Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Job description

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Inc. seeks a dedicated Child Life specialist to plan and provide therapeutic interventions using a hospital facility dog for pediatric patients and families.

The role focuses on helping children cope with healthcare experiences, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and supervising staff and volunteers in the Animal Assisted Therapy program. Requires internship hours and pediatric hospital experience; bilingual skills preferred.